What To Know About HPAI (Avian Flu)
If you’ve noticed egg prices soaring at the grocery store, you’re not alone. The culprit? A surge in Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or “bird flu,” which is spreading rapidly across the U.S. This fast-spreading virus has devastated poultry farms, reducing egg supply and driving up costs. But beyond commercial flocks, another group of birds is suffering—raptors.
HPAI is a non-curable highly contagious virus that primarily infects birds, causing severe illness and death. Unlike waterfowl, which can carry the virus without symptoms, infected raptors often experience tremors, seizures, disorientation, paralysis, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the feet or face. Tragically, raptors often die within 24-48 hours after exposure due to the aggressive nature of this virus. Because raptors hunt and scavenge, they often prey on infected waterfowl or other birds, leading to rapid transmission in the wild.
In 2024, TRC had only one patient test positive for HPAI. Since 2022, we have maintained heightened biosecurity measures across all bird care areas, including enhanced sanitization protocols and the use of shoe disinfectant or covers for anyone entering TRC’s Clinic or the Roost, where our avian ambassadors reside.
While HPAI primarily affects birds, it is also important to note that it can also spread to mammals, including humans. Last year, the virus was detected in Wyoming dairy cattle—a concerning new development. More recently, the Wyoming Department of Health confirmed a case of H5N1 in a Platte County resident, marking only the third human hospitalization in the U.S. due to this strain. While the overall risk of HPAI spreading to humans is still considered low, it is crucial to exercise caution when interacting with wild or domesticated birds.
If you encounter a raptor displaying signs of HPAI, do not handle it. Instead, contact your state’s wildlife agency or call Teton Raptor Center’s Injured Raptor Hotline at (307) 203-2551 if you are in Wyoming or Idaho.
Being aware of the risks posed by HPAI is crucial to keeping both wildlife and humans safe. By staying informed, we can help protect raptors and limit the spread of this impactful virus.
