Wildlife

Wild Avian Influenza Preparedness: Welfare and Conservation

Preparedness for future avian influenza outbreaks must include welfare response planning for affected wild birds.

Key Facts

HPAI surveillance capacity increased significantly following 2022-2024 outbreak experience
Wildlife disease response planning now includes welfare assessment of sick birds at colony sites
Biosecurity protocols for wildlife surveys protect both birds and human researchers
Vaccine development for HPAI in wild birds is under early-stage research evaluation

Welfare Considerations

Preparedness for future HPAI outbreaks that includes welfare response protocols reduces total welfare harm compared to reactive management. Early detection, appropriate triage of affected birds, and biosecurity that prevents spread limit both individual suffering and population-level welfare impact.

What You Can Do

Support APHA and RSPB HPAI surveillance and response capacity building
Learn HPAI reporting protocols and biosecurity requirements for wildlife workers
Advocate for increased research funding for wildlife disease preparedness and welfare response