Wild Animal Welfare

Wild Avian Influenza Impact on Wildlife Welfare

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has caused catastrophic mortality in wild seabirds and waterfowl since 2021 - welfare responses are evolving.

Key Facts

HPAI H5N1 killed over 70 million wild birds globally in 2021-2023
Gannet and great skua colonies have experienced mortality exceeding 50% in some UK colonies
Marine mammals including seals and sea lions have died from avian influenza
Biosecurity at wildlife rehabilitation centres prevents amplification of outbreaks
Vaccine development for wild birds is a research priority but technically challenging

Welfare Considerations

HPAI causes painful, rapid death in affected birds - the welfare impact on tens of millions of individuals has been catastrophic. Wildlife rehabilitation that reduces suffering for affected individuals is a meaningful direct intervention.

What You Can Do

Support wildlife rehabilitation centres working with HPAI-affected birds safely
Report sick or dead seabirds to UKHSA and APHA reporting schemes
Donate to research into HPAI vaccines and wildlife population recovery