Bird Flu Found in East Marlborough Township

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bald eagle
Image via Unsplash.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, otherwise known as bird flu, has been detected in a wild bald eagle found dead in East Marlborough Township. 

This marks the first detection of HPAI H5N1 in birds within the commonwealth since the virus was first identified in North America in December 2021. 

HPAI has impacted domestic or wild birds in more than 20 states across the eastern and midwestern U.S. 

Wild waterfowl and shorebirds are considered natural reservoirs for avian influenza viruses. While infected birds may shed the virus in their feces and saliva despite appearing healthy, HPAI can lead to sickness or death in wild poultry (turkey, grouse), raptors (hawks, eagles), avian scavengers (crows, gulls, ravens), and other species (ducks, geese). Clinical signs of infection in wild birds are often non-specific but may include neurologic dysfunction such as circling and difficulty flying. HPAI is particularly contagious and lethal to domestic poultry.  

While this HPAI outbreak does not appear to have significantly impacted wild bird populations, it has the potential to significantly affect the commercial poultry industry and international trade. 

Avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring and ever-present in wild birds, so preventing or controlling HPAI in wild populations is not feasible. However, safeguards can be taken to protect domestic birds or wild birds held in captivity.  

Owners should always prevent contact between their birds and wild birds to prevent the spread of disease. Any Pennsylvanians who care for captive wild birds, domestic backyard poultry, or are involved in commercial poultry operations should review their biosecurity plans to protect their flocks. The USDA offers free biosecurity information on its website

While HPAI can potentially infect humans, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared that the current HPAI outbreak is primarily an animal health issue that poses low risk to the health of the public. No human cases related to this avian influenza virus have been detected or reported in the United States.  

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