Wildlife

Wild Bird Avian Influenza Preparedness

Welfare implications of ongoing H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks in wild birds and preparedness for future waves.

Key Facts

H5N1 HPAI has caused unprecedented mortality in seabirds, raptors, and waterfowl since 2021
Gannet and tern colonies have suffered catastrophic losses in some seasons
Biosecurity to prevent spread from wild birds to poultry is a welfare and economic priority
Individual wild bird suffering from HPAI is severe before death
Wildlife surveillance networks provide early warning of outbreak spread and intensity

Welfare Considerations

HPAI causes terrible individual suffering for affected birds, often dying over several days with neurological symptoms. The scale of mortality in susceptible species including gannets represents one of the largest acute wildlife welfare emergencies in living memory.

What You Can Do

Do not approach or handle wild birds showing neurological symptoms - report to APHA
Support wildlife disease surveillance and monitoring programs
Advocate for investment in HPAI research including potential wildlife vaccination