Wild Animal Welfare

Wild Avian Influenza HPAI Seabird 2026

A 2026 update on HPAI impacts on UK seabirds documents ongoing welfare challenges and emerging research into population recovery.

Key Facts

UK gannet population remains significantly reduced following 2022-23 HPAI outbreaks
Annual monitoring of colony sizes and productivity reveals recovery trajectories
Immune studies in surviving gannet populations are identifying natural resistance mechanisms
Rehabilitation capacity for HPAI-affected seabirds has expanded following emergency funding
Biosecurity protocols at rehabilitation centres have improved following initial outbreak response

Welfare Considerations

UK seabird welfare in 2026 continues to be significantly affected by HPAI. Monitoring recovery, supporting research into immunity, and improving rehabilitation response represent the welfare interventions available while vaccines remain in development.

What You Can Do

Support seabird colony monitoring organisations tracking post-HPAI recovery
Donate to organisations funding HPAI immunity research
Engage with wildlife rehabilitation centres managing HPAI response capacity