Wild Avian Influenza HPAI Wildlife Research

HPAI wildlife research in 2026 is advancing understanding of transmission, immunity, and population recovery to improve future welfare response.

Key Facts

Immunity studies in surviving seabird populations are revealing natural resistance mechanisms
Transmission modelling helps predict which species and locations face highest outbreak risk
Strain surveillance reveals evolution of virulence that could affect future outbreak severity
Population genetics of survivors may inform selective breeding for HPAI resistance in captive populations
3Rs principles applied to HPAI research reduce experimental animal use while maintaining scientific value

Welfare Considerations

HPAI wildlife research in 2026 is building the knowledge base needed to better protect wild bird welfare in future outbreaks. Understanding immunity, transmission, and strain evolution enables faster and more targeted response that reduces individual animal suffering.

What You Can Do

Support HPAI wildlife research funding through relevant conservation organisations
Engage with academic institutions conducting HPAI immunity and transmission research
Advocate for 3Rs principles in HPAI research to minimise experimental animal welfare costs