After nearly a year of watching the latest outbreak of a virus in wild birds and commercial flocks travel across the US, reaching California at the Summer’s end, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has recently been detected in Humboldt County.

Two Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii) and Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) that Humboldt Wildlife Care Center submitted for testing, as well as a Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) carcass found in Orick and submitted for testing by the National Park Service, have been returned with prelimnary positives, and have been sent to a national laboratory for further confirmation. Since then, three Ravens (Corvus corax) have also tested positive for this deadly strain (H5N2).

Avian influenza is a common disease. Waterfowl act as a reservoir species for the virus, often showing no signs of illness. But during outbreaks, especially virulent strains can lead to mortality events among wild birds, and staggering losses in commercial poultry flocks. What distinguishes HPAI from other avian influenzas is that HPAI kills 90-100% of chickens in a lab setting.

The most susceptible wild species, besides geese and ducks, appear to be Raptors (hawks, owls, falcons), Corvids (ravens, crows, jays, etc) and Gulls. Songbirds are not considered to be high risk species as they have a very low infection rate and shed very low quantities of the virus. At this time there is no need or recommendation to take down songbird feeders unless you also have a backyard flock of ducks or chickens. (see more about avian influenza and songbirds)

For more information on HPAI in commercial flocks and wildlife

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza

For more information on human health related to HPAI

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0428-avian-flu.html

During the course of this outbreak, HWCC/bax is still admitting all wild birds in need for care, but with strict guidelines to protect our patients and also monitor the virus as it spreads through local populations. Our staff is prepared and ready to aid birds, as well as help local resource agencies monitor and slow the advance of HPAI. If you see or find a sick bird, please CALL 707 822 8839. If you have questions or concerns about this virus, feel free to call us – our staff will be happy to answer any questions that we can or point you to more resources that will help you protect any birds you have.

Thank you for your support during this time, and thank you for caring about wild birds, and all of our wild neighbors. Your support now, and always, is what keeps our doors open. You make our work possible. Thank you.