Avian Flu Tracking: Wildlife Toll in North America
- This article provides a extensive overview of teh ongoing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak affecting North America, including impacts on poultry, livestock, and wild bird populations.
- Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting birds. The term A(H5Nx) refers too different subtypes of the avian influenza virus, all sharing...
- The United States has been notably hard hit by the current outbreak.
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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Outbreak in North America
Table of Contents
Updated as of November 12, 2025, at 21:07:06 UTC. This article provides a extensive overview of teh ongoing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak affecting North America, including impacts on poultry, livestock, and wild bird populations.
What is HPAI?
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting birds. The term A(H5Nx) refers too different subtypes of the avian influenza virus, all sharing the H5 surface protein but varying in the N protein. Currently circulating subtypes in north america include H5N1 and H5N5,as defined by the United States Geological Survey avian influenza virus subtypes description.
Impact on Poultry and Livestock
The United States has been notably hard hit by the current outbreak. As of November 12, 2025, more than 180 million birds have been affected, leading to meaningful losses for poultry farmers. The virus has also spread to mammals, with over 1,000 dairy cattle farms reporting cases.
These outbreaks necessitate the culling of infected flocks and herds to prevent further spread, impacting food supply chains and causing economic hardship for agricultural businesses.The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) provides regular updates on affected areas and control measures.
Wild Bird Mortality
The virus is also causing widespread mortality among wild bird populations. In 2022 alone,at least 40,000 wild birds died of HPAI in eastern Canada, including 25,000 northern gannets, and thousands of common murres and common eiders. Mortality events continue to be reported, affecting a wide range of bird species and, increasingly, wild mammals.
These die-offs raise concerns about the long-term health of wild bird populations and the potential for the virus to evolve and spread further. Monitoring efforts by organizations like the Canadian wildlife Health Cooperative are crucial for tracking the virus’s impact.
Transmission and Risk Factors
HPAI spreads primarily through direct contact with infected birds or their bodily fluids, as well as through contaminated environments. Wild birds, particularly migratory waterfowl, are considered natural reservoirs for the virus and can spread it to domestic poultry. Transmission to mammals,like dairy cattle,is thought to occur through contact with contaminated surfaces or infected birds.
Factors increasing the risk of outbreaks include poor biosecurity practices on farms, proximity to wild bird habitats, and inadequate surveillance and reporting systems.