Protecting Southwest Florida’s Wildlife: Combating Avian Influenza 

February 5, 2025

Written by Lauren Barkley, von Arx Wildlife Hospital Manager

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida works to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife, and future by taking a One Health approach.

One Health is a worldwide strategy that recognizes the connection between human, animal, and environmental health with interdisciplinary measures. The Conservancy works with the public and other organizations to share information. For example, our science team collects turtle nesting and tracking information to share with government and education organizations. Another example is the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy, monitoring patients for evidence of infectious disease. We share this information with other organizations, such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). 

In recent years, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has posed a significant threat to domestic poultry, wild birds, and the dairy industry. The H5N1 strain of HPAI has caused mass mortality events in wild birds, particularly impacting raptors, corvids, and waterfowl. More than 6,000 cases have been reported in wild birds since 2022, with more than 100 different species of birds affected.

At least 35 counties in Florida, including Collier, have confirmed cases of HPAI with devastating impacts on wild bird populations. As an organization and community member, we are here to help educate you on the virus and what you can do to help.  

How do we determine if a wild bird has HPAI?

Identifying HPAI in birds is challenging. Some birds may not show clinical signs but are carriers of the virus, contributing to the long-distance spread of HPAI and dispersal of the virus over large geographical areas during migration. When patients are symptomatic, they generally display neurological or respiratory signs. Symptoms include but are not limited to, lack of coordination, tremors, abnormal posturing, seizures, difficulty breathing, cloudy eyes, and abnormal behavior.  Testing for the virus can be done with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits available at diagnostic laboratories, but time and expense prohibit testing every patient. 

How is HPAI transmitted between birds?

Infected birds shed the virus through their saliva, nasal secretions, feces, and respiratory excretions. Healthy birds can contract the virus through close contact with infected birds. This can happen through interactions in crowded conditions, such as in poultry farms or when wild birds gather at feeding areas, as they frequently do during migration.  Both birds and mammals opportunistically scavenge dead and dying birds and can contract the virus that way. 

Are you at risk?

While the risk of contracting HPAI in humans is low, it is always best to be safe. If you recently came in contact with a wild bird and are feeling flu-like symptoms (fever, difficulty breathing, pink eye, or an upset stomach), we recommend you contact your healthcare provider and the Department of Health. They can advise on the next step and handle all questions or concerns. 

How can you help?

If you find a deceased bird or bird displaying any neurological or respiratory signs, please report it to FWC at (888) 404-3922 or myfwc.com/bird. We understand that it can be distressing to see wildlife that needs help. We advise that you do not come in direct contact with a bird displaying symptoms of HPAI. 

Lauren Barkley and Dr. Kendall Carlin assessing a bald eagle wearing appropriate PPE gear.

At the von Arx Wildlife Hospital, we take essential precautions to prevent the spread of HPAI. Our staff wears personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, masks, and gowns. We quarantine potential HPAI suspects and patients. If you would like to help us combat the spread of HPAI in our local community and continue protecting our birds and other wildlife, please consider visiting our Amazon Wishlist, where you can donate cleaning supplies and protective gear. Your donations enable us to continue safeguarding our patients, staff, volunteers, and the community. 

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