Three California condors in northern Arizona die after being infected Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
The Peregrine Foundation first observed a bird in the wild showing signs of the disease on March 9, according to the National Park Service. Initially, lead poisoning was suspected.
Crew members worked to monitor other birds that exhibited similar behavior to the bird.
They retrieved dead females under the nest after just 11 days. She was the first bird to be confirmed positive for her HPAI.
Bird flu first appeared in Minnesota this year
Necropsies were performed by the Clark R. Babin National Fish and Wildlife Forensic Laboratory of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Analysis of the samples by the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory showed that the bird tested positive for her HPAI subtype H5N1. The results were confirmed by the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory on March 30.
Since 4 April, a total of 3 dead birds have been confirmed to be infected with HPAI.
Test results for five more dead birds are not yet final, others have been recovered and undergoing autopsies and examinations, while five birds showing signs of illness have been sent to the Peregrine Foundation. and sent to Liberty Wildlife in Phoenix for care.
The Arizona Utah vulture population migrates throughout the region and southern Utah, taking advantage of the landscape within Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Kaibab Plateau and surrounding areas.
The virus has not been detected in other condor populations in California or Baja California, Mexico.
Other live or dead condors collected in Arizona and Utah are treated as suspected HPAI cases. Live birds are transferred to an appropriate facility for care.
The National Park Service warned that potential exposure to HPAI is expected to increase during the spring months when birds migrate to breeding grounds. HPAI has been found in both wild and domestic animals in all US states except Hawaii.
The Centers for Disease Control says HPAI is considered a low risk human health concern. Human infections have been reportedIn wildlife, it is highly contagious and spreads by several routes, including bird-to-bird contact, faecal contamination, exposed clothing, shoes, and vehicles.
California condor populations face multiple stressors that have reduced the resilience of the population.
Condor Recovery Partners in California is mobilizing resources and taking precautions to protect wild birds from HPAI. Breeding in captivity and monitoring of breeding and nesting sites continues throughout the condor’s range.
If your Arizona or Utah Condor appears lethargic, incoordinated, walking in circles, holding head in an unusual position, or appears sluggish or unresponsive, call 585-747- You will be asked to contact the Peregrine Foundation at 5885.
california condor One of the largest birds in the world, they can live up to 60 years and fly great distances.
In the 1970s, bird populations were threatened with extinction due to hunting, habitat destruction, and lead poisoning from animals eating lead bullets.
The California Condor is making a comeback and now has over 300 individuals in the wild.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
