Highly pathogenic avian influenza (also known as HPAI or bird flu) is a virus that is naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide (such as ducks, geese, and shorebirds) and can infect domestic poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, and pheasants) as well as other bird and animal species.

Avian influenza is a naturally occurring virus that is ubiquitous in wild birds. The influenza virus is very prone to mutating , and sometimes it changes into a version that is more deadly to birds than other strains. The differentiation between “high pathogenic” and “low pathogenic” avian influenza is based on its potential to kill poultry. There have been multiple outbreaks of HPAI at different times throughout history. This particular outbreak is unique in that it is very deadly and highly infectious to wild birds in addition to poultry. This virus affects different species of birds differently, with raptors, seabirds, waterbirds, and corvids being particularly affected.

In early 2022, the Eurasian H5 strain of HPAI was detected in birds in the United States.

According to data compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in at least 1,825 individual wild birds in 42 states and the District of Columbia since January 2022. The virus has been detected in multiple apparently healthy waterfowl, as well as in sick and dead waterfowl and other wild birds. Non-waterfowl species with confirmed infections have included bald eagles, vultures, hawks, owls, gulls, pelicans, herons, and shorebirds. The virus also has been detected in numerous backyard and commercial poultry and mixed flocks in several states and Canadian provinces.

Yes. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or “bird flu”) has been reported in Santa Barbara County.

While HPAI arrived from Europe to North America back in December 2021, it didn’t arrive in California until July 2022 and was not detected in southern California until October 2022. The first case in Santa Barbara county was detected on February 10, 2023. While that may seem reassuring, it does not mean it has not been here (in fact it is very likely that it has, as our neighboring county detected cases as early as October 2021).

SBWCN has been operating for several months as if HPAI was in our region to ensure biosecurity at our center.

This virus is spread in the same fashion as all other influenza viruses. It is shed in respiratory secretions, saliva, and fecal material. It can be contracted by breathing or ingesting viral particles. These particles can be carried from one place to another on fomites, which is the term for physical objects that contribute to spreading disease such as clothes, shoes, blankets, crates, etc. A few of the ways that birds can spread it between one another (and to susceptible mammals) include sharing food, water, physical space, and preying on one another. This virus can live in the environment for days to months depending on the temperature and material it is in.

Although avian influenza viruses naturally circulate among waterfowl, the strain of H5N1 currently in circulation in the U.S. has been causing illness and death in a higher diversity of wild bird species than during previous avian influenza outbreaks. Infected birds may not always display obvious clinical signs, but possible signs include neurologic and respiratory symptoms.

Wild bird species at highest risk of infection with HPAI viruses include waterfowl (swans, geese, ducks), waterbirds (gulls, terns, cranes, herons, shorebirds), and birds that prey or scavenge on these species (eagles, hawks, falcons, corvids, vultures). Infection among songbirds, including many common backyard birds, appears to be rare.

The most common signs in birds and mammals are neurologic (affecting the brain) and respiratory (affecting the ability to breathe), but other signs have been documented in birds, including skin lesions and gastrointestinal (digestive system) disease. Sometimes birds can simply have general signs of illness where they appear sleepy, weak, or stop eating.

This strain of HPAI (H5N1) does affect certain mammals, although it seems to be less common in them than in birds. Almost universally, the mammals that become sick display neurologic signs. Luckily so far this strain has been minimally infectious and not severe in people.

The H5N1 strain is highly contagious in poultry and causes significant mortality. Birds raised in captivity, such as other gallinaceous birds (turkeys, pheasants, grouse, quail) and waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans), may also be at high risk of acquiring and transmitting the virus. The risk of mammals (i.e. dogs and cats) being infected is very low.

Yes, but infection of people is rare. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk associated with these avian influenza detections remains low. Bird flu outbreaks are largely an animal health issue.

As of April 28, the CDC had tracked the health of more than 2,500 people with exposure to H5N1 virus-infected birds and only one case of infection has been found in the United States.

-Do not touch or handle any bird that appears sick or deceased

-Do not feed wild birds; keep bird baths/feeders empty

-Prevent contact between wild birds and your domestic animals, including shared food or water

-Wear gloves and face masks and wash your hands if contact with wild birds or domestic poultry cannot be avoided

-Bird owners should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. More information is available through the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

SBWCN is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of disease at their facility. These implemented protocols include isolated exam areas, increased personal protective equipment, quarantining high risk species, and various other protocols to ensure the health of all animals, staff, and volunteers.

SBWCN is following guidance from CDFW and will continue to update protocols as needed.

Two weeks after the new director of veterinary services, Dr. Rebecca Aldoretta, began at SBWCN HPAI was detected in California. Coincidentally, Dr. Aldoretta had just completed a year of specialty training in Atlantic Canada (the very location HPAI was first detected in North America) and was familiar with what would be necessary to mount an effective response. Patrick Hogan, SBWCN’s hospital manager, also has experience dealing with HPAI from his previous positions in Oregon and Washington.

Things certainly are working differently at SBWCN under the protocols developed to respond to HPAI. While these protocols and procedures have posed a number of challenges, they are so important to keep the birds in our care safe and allow us to continue to fulfill our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release as many animals as possible. Some of these protocols and changes have included: extensive trainings with our staff and volunteers, changing the process of intaking animals into the center, increasing biosecurity and disinfection measures, developing designated quarantine areas, and investing in PPE for staff. SBWCN has worked with partner organizations across California and the country to develop protocols for HPAI and share information. SBWCN also works under the guidance of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and sends suspect cases for testing the Fish and Wildlife’s Investigations lab.

While this all may seem extreme to some, HPAI is devastating and has been shown to significantly affect wild animal populations across the world. If HPAI is detected in an animal it must be humanely euthanized to end its suffering and prevent the spread of HPAI.

Part of SBWCN’s new intake procedure involves stopping all members of the public and wildlife being brought into the facility at the front of the property. A screening tent has been erected where staff analyze any animal suspected of HPAI. Animals that are exhibiting symptoms of HPAI are immediately quarantined and only handled by highly trained personnel wearing full PPE. All animals deemed safe to admit into the hospital immediately (i.e.: asymptomatic songbirds, mammals, marsupials, and reptiles), are placed in the low risk triage area or brought by staff directly to the intake area.

Because HPAI can be tracked into the facility on the bottom of our shoes, all staff and volunteers wear a separate pair of shoes at SBWCN, or wear surgical booties while on the property. Everyone must walk through footbaths to disinfect shoes and shoe coverings when entering the wildlife hospital.

Now that HPAI has been detected in our county, SBWCN is also covering all outdoor aviaries to protect our patients from migratory birds that might spread the virus.

This is a trying time for wildlife, and the veterinary and rehabilitation team at SBWCN. On top of baby season, trained staff will have to work in the HPAI area outside to prevent sick birds from entering the clinic. However, with constant vigilance, ongoing training, strong protocols, and protections in place SBWCN is confident it can continue to rescue and rehabilitate thousands of animals every year.

The public is asked to call the SBWCN Helpline (805-681-1080) before touching or handling any wildlife. When dropping off an animal to the SBWCN facility, the public will be asked to stop at a designated drop off area in front of the facility.

-Please call the SBWCN Helpline before handling or touching any wildlife: (805) 681-1080

-If handling an animal can not be avoided, both gloves and a mask should be worn. Hands should be thoroughly washed immediately after handling the animal.

-Unfortunately, any cardboard boxes or laundry (towels, blankets, etc.) brought in with an animal can not be returned. Containers made of non-porous material will need to be disinfected for 10 minutes prior to being returned.

Report dead wild birds to CDFW using the mortality reporting form (https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report). While it is not possible to test every wild bird for HPAI, all of this information is important for disease specialists to know because it helps them monitor the outbreak and spread.

Report sick or dead poultry to the CDFA hotline at 866-922-2473

It is recommended to limit contact between yourself and sick poultry due to risk of human exposure, although this HPAI strain is currently a low risk for human infection.

Before transporting potentially sick wild birds, contact the facility you are intending to bring it to for guidance on whether it should be brought in and what protective measures you should use.

If you would like to help Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network respond to HPAI with a donation, please visit: www.sbwcn.org/donate

-Sightings of dead wild birds may be reported online to CDFW.

-Sick and dead poultry or pet birds may be reported to the California Department of Food and Agriculture hotline: 1-866-922-2473

If you handle any sick or injured wild birds (after calling SBWCN’s HELPline, or course) wear appropriate protection (masks, gloves, eye protection) and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you have pet birds, it is strongly recommended you shower and completely change clothes before coming into contact with them after interacting with wild birds.

It is recommended to take down all bird feeders and bird baths to reduce spread. If you continue to have either of these, they should be cleaned and disinfected at least once weekly.

Avoid any direct contact between domestic birds (especially poultry) and wild birds

Disinfect any surfaces that come into contact with birds or wildlife