A highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza virus H5N1 is spreading rapidly through wild bird populations in the United States, causing major die-offs and raising concerns about a potential human pandemic. The outbreak, possibly spurred by fall migration, has seen widespread impacts on waterfowl and seabirds, but infections in songbirds remain uncommon.
Experts say that feeders do not pose a significant risk of spread, but regular cleaning is essential to prevent the transmission of avian diseases. Local and state wildlife authorities may recommend temporarily removing feeders or taking other precautions to protect bird life and human safety.
The virus has been infecting a range of wild birds, including ducks, geese, and gulls, as well as raptors, seabirds, and corvids. However, cases in songbirds are still relatively rare.
Wildlife disease ecologist Johanna Harvey attributes the surge in infections to the persistence of the virus along migratory routes and the spread through wild bird migration. The emergence of a new genotype, D1.1, has become the dominant version spreading along flyways.
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has reported over 12,000 cases detected in wild birds since 2022, but disease surveillance remains limited. Experts emphasize the importance of staying informed about the latest guidance from wildlife authorities and taking precautions to protect both bird populations and human safety.
As the country gears up for another round of migration, scientists will be monitoring avian flu activity closely, with the potential for annual outbreaks becoming a concern.
Source: https://www.audubon.org/magazine/what-does-avian-flu-surge-mean-your-bird-feeders