Studying Bird Flu in Prairie-Dwelling Raptors

SUMMARY: Researchers will collect data on bird flu in raptors, including infection prevalence, survivability and immunological responses of these birds, to help better understand potential health impacts in the current and future outbreaks.

THE PROBLEM: The currently circulating strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, also known as bird flu, was first detected in North America in December 2021. Since then, the virus has quickly spread across the continent, causing high numbers of wild bird deaths. Researchers have detected HPAIV in at least 28 North American raptor species, which comprise about 40% of detections in the USDA database. Despite these findings, currently available data to help understand both short- and long-term effects of HPAIVs in raptors are lacking.

Researchers believe that raptors in North America had minimal prior exposure to HPAIV before the current outbreak, rendering them immunologically naïve and thus more susceptible to ill health effects. This includes severe system-wide infection and rapid death in highly visible species, like bald eagles, black vultures and possibly others. Data on the frequency and outcomes of infections in raptors living in prairie habitats, which are less visible to people, are scarce. More information is needed to help these birds, which are top-of-the-food-chain predators in these habitats.

THE PROJECT: To fill this knowledge gap, researchers will assess HPAIV status in raptors from grasslands east of the Rocky Mountains. The team will partner with local raptor rehabilitators, including those from Colorado and New Mexico. Sampling will consist of laboratory tests on swabs to detect HPAIV infection status and blood tests to assess for immunity (i.e., antibodies) to previous infection. When possible, we will then track the clinical progression and rehabilitation outcomes of raptors surviving HPAIV infection to assess their short- and long-term survivability.

POTENTIAL IMPACT: Raptors are among the most threatened wildlife groups worldwide, primarily because of habitat loss from human activity. This phenomenon is especially concerning in prairie habitats with declining bird species that rely on grasslands.

Findings from this study will help inform better management strategies for future avian flu outbreaks for wild raptors living in prairie habits, as well as captive, educational and conservation birds. This much-needed new information will improve our understanding of the health threat to raptors posed by HPAIV, including disease progression and outcomes. The latest data will also inform practical strategies for treating flu-stricken birds at rehabilitation facilities.