A bald eagle infected with bird flu is being treated at the University of Minnesota Raptor Center
Victoria Hall
A record outbreak of avian flu has devastated birds flocking to poultry farms and coastlines since 2021, raising new concerns that the virus could become endemic to wild birds. Contagion to other species has already been reported, including foxes in the UK, grizzly bears in the US and farmed minks in Spain. In Cambodia, an 11-year-old girl died of bird flu. All of this fuels fears that we could be on the verge of another pandemic if this virus adapts to infect humans more easily.
As billions of migratory birds now fly across the globe from their southern wintering grounds, experts are bracing for a new wave of infections.
“This year’s epidemic is causing far more serious illness and death than we’ve seen in the past,” says Autumnlin Harrison of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center in Washington, DC. “There have been a series of outbreaks of bird flu in the past, but wild birds are usually asymptomatic. They usually don’t show these numerous symptoms or even deaths.”
Last summer, Harrison was in Alaska studying shorebirds called parasitic jaegers (Parasitic feces) and the Arctic Tern (sternum paradise) – Two of the world’s most migratory species, migrating from the Arctic to South America and Antarctica each year. At her site, dead birds of both species tested positive for bird flu, her H5N1. “It was the first time I saw these predatory seabirds on the tundra, like random carcasses,” says Harrison. She attached satellite trackers to some of the live birds and tracked them after traveling to Peru in the fall. Bird flu killed more than 3,500 of her sea lions in Peru this winter. “Right now, the impact is global,” says Harrison.
Talk to veterinary epidemiologist Victoria Hall about how long this bird flu outbreak will last, how concerned we should be about its spread to mammals, and whether it could be the next human pandemic. I heard. She has expertise in studying ecosystem health, was previously an epidemic watcher for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is currently director of the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota.
Corryn Wetzel: Bird flu has been around for decades.
Victoria Hall: The current strain of virus in circulation works very differently than past outbreaks. It infects far more wild birds than normal. And we’re seeing it spill over into bird species that are much more likely to get sick or die. .
And this epidemic is notable because it’s migratory bird season with migratory bird season going on. Often when we look at outbreaks, [avian flu] If you enter the poultry industry in an area, it will appear during that season, but then disappear. However, with this strain, we can see that it is maintained in wild bird populations.
How is avian influenza maintained and spread by migratory birds?
Avian influenza spreads worldwide through migratory birds. There are many species, presumably shorebirds, seabirds and waterfowl, which often carry various strains of avian influenza without showing signs of disease. They then mix the strain as they congregate in all migratory groups and take off again to spread it.
Birds of prey, eagles, hawks, owls, and vultures are the birds that are most likely to become very visibly sick and die. tend to die. The virus attacks their brains, causing them to have seizures, vocalizations, and the inability to stand. The bird is on its back or does not respond at all.
Did you see an increase in sick birds last spring?
there was a big wave [of infections] In April and May of last year, the numbers were truly astronomical. It really mirrored what was being seen in the poultry industry: last spring there were 3-4 times the normal number of birds flying in, and 60-70% of the birds had the flu. There were days.
In 2022, 213 positive-tested birds came to our center. Only his one great horned owl survived. We had just brought in sick bird after bird and were emotionally shredded.
Migratory birds are returning and we expect to see cases returning here in the coming weeks.
How do viruses infect other animals?
In the case of this virus, most of the transmission is probably due to fomites (infected virus particles attached to objects). So whatever comes out of the mouth or cloaca on either end of an infected bird will be filled with virus.
The virus can survive for several weeks in a cool, moist environment.then other animals can get it to them [and become infected]Animals that eat birds can also become infected with the virus.
We’re seeing an unprecedented number of bird flus spreading to mammals. This makes sense because more wild birds are shedding the virus and have the opportunity to jump on mammals. Infected.
Are humans in danger?
In some cases [of humans contracting the virus] There have also been several deaths associated with this strain around the world. But it doesn’t look like it’s easily contagious to people. This is wonderful.
Infection can occur when a person spends a lot of time in close proximity to an infected bird. Think about people who have been in close contact with infected poultry, not the birds out the window.
But we will know all about this flu by tomorrow. Because it’s the flu virus. It can continue to change and mutate.
What can be done to limit the spread?
When it comes to migratory birds, the greatest thing ordinary people can do is help gather information about what is going on in their environment. Use a biorehabilitation officer or your state’s Department of Natural Resources. If you see a dead bird, report it to your state official.
If you have to come in contact with a sick or dead bird, make sure you are wearing gloves, using a mask to protect yourself, and disposing of it. [the bird] In a safe way so as not to cause the spread of that virus.
It is also about spreading the word. We have this virus that occurs in the poultry world, but it is also present in wild bird species.
Can birds be vaccinated?
Vaccines are a hot topic right now. Everyone who has birds of any kind feels ready to get vaccinated. Like the seasonal flu vaccine, we want to make sure it matches exactly what’s prevalent or isn’t as effective.And we have so many different species of birds. . If you have a poultry-validated vaccine, what will happen to an eagle that lives 30 years and a chicken that is not expected to live that long? Become.
There is much debate about using vaccines for endangered species. An endangered bird is really important to its population because there are so few of them.but [vaccinating birds] It will be a long process. [Though avian influenza vaccines exist]they are regulated at the federal level and therefore cannot simply be purchased from a store.
How long will this last?
People usually prepare for an outbreak and respond to it for several months before recovering. But this one doesn’t stop. I’ve also seen this with covid. We have a big reaction at first, but then we’re told, ‘Oh, we’ve got to manage this long-term. That might mean changing our protocols, looking at how we use tests, and looking at how we use personal protective equipment.
Whether it’s agriculture or wildlife, people have to shift their mindset from just an acute reaction to living with this for potentially years. I think.
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