New study reveals raptors are surviving H5N1 avian influenza infections
March 19, 2025
recent study led by scientists from The Raptor Center (TRC) at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) offers important new insight into the impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) on raptors in the upper Midwest, revealing that some species, including bald eagles, have been exposed to the virus and survived. The research provides critical insights into the ongoing avian influenza outbreak and its implications for wild bird populations.
The H5N1 strain of avian influenza has caused widespread infections in wild birds, including large-scale mortality events documented in numerous species. The persistence of the current H5N1 virus in wild bird populations over multiple migration seasons has significant implications for disease transmission, as infected birds contribute to viral spread across vast geographic regions. This circulation increases the risk of spillover to other wildlife and domestic species and also raises concerns about broader ecological disruption.
Raptors are highly susceptible to severe disease from H5N1, but the long-term population impacts have not been evaluated. For this study, researchers analyzed serum and plasma samples from wild raptors to assess previous exposure to H5N1 avian influenza. Samples were collected from two primary sources: injured or sick birds admitted to TRC and healthy wild raptors captured for banding at the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory during migration.
