Wildlife

Wild Avian Influenza Recovery: Seabird Welfare 2026

Seabird population welfare recovery assessment in 2026 reveals mixed outcomes from recent HPAI mortality events.

Key Facts

Some HPAI-affected seabird colonies are showing recovery with 2024-2025 breeding seasons improving
Great skua populations remain severely reduced and may require active conservation intervention
Colony structure disruption from HPAI persists beyond individual mortality as social bonds break
Disease monitoring capacity has significantly improved following 2022-2024 outbreak experience

Welfare Considerations

Seabird populations recovering from HPAI mortality face ongoing welfare challenges from disrupted colony structure, mate loss, and territory abandonment. Recovery monitoring that tracks individual welfare indicators alongside population counts provides more comprehensive assessment of post-outbreak welfare status.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB seabird recovery monitoring programmes following HPAI outbreaks
Advocate for increased HPAI surveillance and contingency planning capacity
Donate to seabird conservation organisations managing recovery interventions