Texas - Avian influenza in wild birds 2024-2026

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Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: December 16, 2025
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State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Texas	Freestone	11/22/2025	12/12/2025	EA H5	Northern pintail	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Freestone	11/22/2025	12/12/2025	EA H5	Northern pintail	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Lubbock	12/1/2025	12/9/2025	EA H5	Goose (unidentified)	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Texas	Lubbock	12/1/2025	12/9/2025	EA H5	Goose (unidentified)	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Texas	Lubbock	12/1/2025	12/9/2025	EA H5	Goose (unidentified)	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality

...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds

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Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: December 23, 2025
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State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification

Texas	Potter	12/9/2025	12/17/2025	EA H5	Goose (unidentified)	Wild bird
Texas	Potter	12/9/2025	12/17/2025	EA H5	Owl (unidentified)	Wild bird
Texas	Deaf Smith	12/8/2025	12/17/2025	EA H5	Goose (unidentified)	Wild bird
Texas	Potter	12/5/2025	12/16/2025	EA H5	Great horned owl	Wild bird
Texas	Potter	12/8/2025	12/16/2025	EA H5	Common grackle	Wild bird
Texas	Ochiltree	12/6/2025	12/15/2025	EA H5	Goose (unidentified)	Wild bird

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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds

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Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: January 07, 2026
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State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification

Texas	Shelby	12/2/2025	1/2/2026	EA H5	Black vulture	Wild bird
Texas	Shelby	12/2/2025	1/2/2026	EA H5	Black vulture	Wild bird
Texas	Randall	12/19/2025	12/31/2025	EA H5	Goose (unidentified)	Wild bird
Texas	Deaf Smith	12/18/2025	12/31/2025	EA H5	Common grackle	Wild bird
Texas	Deaf Smith	12/18/2025	12/31/2025	EA H5	Common grackle	Wild bird
Texas	Deaf Smith	12/18/2025	12/30/2025	EA H5	Common grackle	Wild bird
Texas	Deaf Smith	12/18/2025	12/30/2025	EA H5	Common grackle	Wild bird
Texas	Deaf Smith	12/18/2025	12/30/2025	EA H5	Common grackle	Wild bird

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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds

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Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: January 13, 2026
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State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Texas	Randall	1/2/2026	1/8/2026	EA H5	Goose (unidentified)	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Texas	Randall	12/30/2025	1/6/2026	EA H5	Goose (unidentified)	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality

...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds

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/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lubbock,_Texas
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https://www.facebook.com/cityoflubbock/

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Lubbock Animal Services
21h ·

Lubbock Public Health Warns Residents to Avoid Contact with Sick or Dead Birds

Lubbock Public Health is urging all residents to avoid handling or touching sick or dead birds following the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as Bird Flu or H5N1, in wild birds in Lubbock and surrounding areas.

Close contact with infected birds, including handling them, can lead to transmission of the virus to humans. HPAI is deadly to domestic poultry and can cause severe illness and death in wild birds.

What You Should and Should Not Do
Do not touch wild birds.
Avoid touching, handling, or interacting with sick or dead wild birds—including geese, grackles, hawks, or other wildlife.
Report dead or sick birds.
If you find a sick or dead bird, contact Lubbock Animal Services, 806-775-2057.

Protect yourself.
If you must handle a bird (for example, for disposal), wear gloves and a mask. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward.

Seek medical attention.
If you develop flu-like symptoms after potential exposure, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Below is an example of what a sick bird may look like.

Video:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=865789042982423

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Orange County, Texas
/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_County,_Texas
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Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: January 21, 2026
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State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	American wigeon	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Gadwall	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Northern shoveler	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	American wigeon	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest

Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Gadwall	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Redhead duck	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Gadwall	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Gadwall	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Gadwall	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Gadwall	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Gadwall	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Gadwall	Wild bird	Hunter harvest

Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Gadwall	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Lesser scaup	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Gadwall	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Texas	Orange	12/13/2025	1/13/2026	EA H5	Gadwall	Wild bird	Hunter harvest

...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds

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(Screenshot)
Video link: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1364381535439673

Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center


17h ·
Sensitive Content Warning

This post contains information about wildlife illness and death that some may find distressing.

A heartbreaking reality of winter across the U.S.
Sadly, scenes like this are becoming all too common during the winter months. Today, our team was called out to McDonald Lake and witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of an incurable virus—avian influenza.

Alongside City of Amarillo, Texas Anmal Management and Wefare, we collected 239 deceased geese and ducks TODAY alone. Even more difficult, there were several birds still alive but actively dying. In these cases, the kindest and most humane option is euthanasia to end their suffering. These are truly beautiful, magnificent birds, and witnessing this loss never gets easier.
IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDER
Please treat all waterfowl and raptors (owls, hawks, etc.) that are alive and on the ground as if they are positive for avian influenza.
That means:
• Do NOT touch them
• Do NOT pick them up
• Do NOT transport them in your vehicle or bring them into your home
Who to call:
• Inside city limits: Amarillo Animal Management & Welfare — 806-378-3038
• Outside city limits: Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center — 806-680-2483

This is an incredibly tough time of year, and we know how heavy this is on everyone’s hearts—especially those on the front lines witnessing this day after day. Please keep our wildlife, Animal Control officers, and rehabilitation teams in your thoughts.

https://www.facebook.com/wildwestwildliferehabilitation/videos/avian-influenza/1364381535439673/

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Lubbock: Ransom Canyon issues public safety notice regarding bird flu
Feb. 3, 2026 at 2:27 PM EST|Updated: 28 minutes ago

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - On Tuesday, the Town of Ransom Canyon issued a public safety notice urging residents to use caution following confirmed detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu.

Officials say the situation is being closely monitored, and that public awareness and adherence to safety guidance are essential to protecting both human and animal health.

Since December 16th, the Town has sent out notifications to residents regarding bird flu and has shared precautionary information through email and social media.

For the past 90 days, Town staff have collected around 350–400 geese as part of ongoing response efforts.

Town officials say following the winter storm last week, a large amount of geese became frozen in the lake.

The lake has since thawed, and the geese are now being discovered along the lake perimeter, including areas adjacent to residential backyards.

The Town of Ransom Canyon is actively coordinating response efforts with the City of Lubbock Public Health Department, and staff are working as quickly and safely as possible to remove the affected wildlife.

This issue is not limited to Lubbock County and is impacting neighboring communities throughout West Texas. All agencies involved are making every effort to address the situation in accordance with State of Texas guidelines.

Do Not Handle Sick or Dead Birds
Residents are strongly advised not to touch, move, or handle any birds that appear sick, injured, or found dead.

If you observe a sick or dead bird suspected to be affected by HPAI, contact the Ransom Canyon Police Department immediately.

Important Guidance from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)


· Migratory Birds: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will test migratory birds showing clinical signs only if there has been human exposure. Residents may contact their local TPWD biologist or game warden for assistance.

· Mammals: Sick or deceased mammals should be submitted for rabies testing, with a note stating: “neurological – suspect HPAI.”

· Backyard Poultry & Domestic Ducks: The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) must be notified of all poultry or duck exposures, including:

o Dead birds in yards or coops

o Sudden die-offs in flocks

· Pets: Dogs or cats that have been exposed to a sick or dead bird should be evaluated by a veterinarian promptly.

· People: Individuals who believe they may have been exposed should follow up with their physician and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

Required Protective Equipment
Anyone handling animals suspected of having HPAI must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). For public safety, residents are asked to leave all handling and removal to trained professionals.

Recognizing Clinical Signs of HPAI
HPAI symptoms may appear in birds and mammals. Residents should report wildlife or domestic animals exhibiting any of the following signs:

· Birds falling from the sky

· Inability to lift the head (birds in water may drown)

· Standing still or not reacting when approached

· Apparent blindness

· Facial twitching or seizure-like movements

· Head tilt (torticollis)

· Ataxia (loss of coordination)

· Grand mal seizures

· Ocular or nasal discharge

· Diarrhea or abnormal stool

· Lethargy

· Difficulty breathing or use of abdominal muscles to breathe

If you observe any of these symptoms, do not approach the animal.

Reporting Concerns
For assistance, questions, or to report sick or deceased animals, please contact the Ransom Canyon Police Department at (806) 810-2067 for issues in Ransom Canyon city limits

https://www.fox34.com/2026/02/03/ransom-canyon-issues-public-safety-notice-regarding-bird-flu/

[Commonground]

WHAT IS AVIAN INFLUENZA? FAST FACTS ON ‘BIRD FLU’ IN THE U.S.

Feb 9, 2026 | Agriculture
Highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI, specifically HPAI H5N1, commonly referred to as “bird flu,” has rippled far beyond farms and impacted Americans of all walks of life, whether they know it or not.

The current avian influenza outbreak affecting both commercial and backyard flocks began in the U.S. in early 2022. The outbreak is now entering the fourth year and continues to cause disruptions in the poultry industry triggering increases in eggs and other poultry product prices at grocery stores across the U.S.

Terry Hensley, DVM, assistant agency director at , TVMDL, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service veterinarian, and Morgan Farnell, Ph.D., professor and AgriLife Extension program leader in the Texas A&M Department of Poultry Sciences, both in Bryan-College Station, are experts with experience in poultry diseases, including HPAI.

They expect instances of the disease to occur as waterfowl, which are the primary carriers for the virus, continue their seasonal migration.

Farnell and Hensley provided insights into the disease, its impact on humans and domestic animals and how to reduce a backyard poultry flock’s chance of exposure.

-snip-

WHAT IS AVIAN INFLUENZA?...
WHERE DOES AVIAN INFLUENZA COME FROM AND HOW IS IT SPREAD?...
WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD POULTRY OWNERS LOOK FOR IN THEIR FLOCK?...
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU SUSPECT A BIRD IN YOUR FLOCK HAS AVIAN INFLUENZA?...
WHAT CAN PRODUCERS DO TO PROTECT THEIR FLOCKS AGAINST AVIAN INFLUENZA?...
CAN I GET AVIAN INFLUENZA?...

HOW MANY POSITIVE CASES HAS TEXAS HAD?
The Texas Animal Health Commission has confirmed six positive avian influenza cases in counties around the state since Nov. 12, 2025. Most of those positive infections were in wild birds or backyard flocks. Experts expect sporadic cases to occur through spring and recommend vigilance among backyard and commercial producers.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Federal and state agencies will continue to monitor the spread of avian influenza. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 186 million commercial and backyard poultry have been affected by avian influenza since January 2022.

Commercial producers apply stringent biosecurity protocols to protect their flocks, but outbreaks do occur. The threat of the disease’s impact on grocery store prices will continue. High mortality rate of the virus has influenced egg and poultry prices when significant outbreaks in commercial production facilities occurred in the past.

Those interested in avian testing should call one of TVMDL’s poultry laboratories in Gonzales or Center, or one of the agency’s full-service laboratories in College Station or Canyon. For more information on TVMDL’s testing services, visit tvmdl.tamu.edu.

https://austincountynewsonline.com/what-is-avian-influenza-fast-facts-on-bird-flu-in-the-u-s/

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Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: February 11, 2026
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State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Texas	Randall	Unknown	2/10/2026	EA H5	Bird (unidentified)	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Texas	Randall	2/3/2026	2/10/2026	EA H5	Goose (unidentified)	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Texas	Randall	Unknown	2/9/2026	EA H5	Goose (unidentified)	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Texas	Randall	Unknown	2/9/2026	EA H5	Goose (unidentified)	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Texas	Randall	Unknown	2/9/2026	EA H5	Goose (unidentified)	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Texas	Randall	Unknown	2/9/2026	EA H5	Goose (unidentified)	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Texas	Randall	Unknown	2/9/2026	EA H5	Goose (unidentified)	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Texas	Randall	1/29/2026	2/9/2026	EA H5	Duck (unidentified)	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Texas	Bexar	1/23/2026	2/5/2026	EA H5	Vulture (unidentified)	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Texas	Randall	Unknown	2/3/2026	EA H5	Goose (unidentified)	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality

...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds

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Related to post #37:

12 birds test 'non-negative' for bird flu after hundreds of dead birds found in Amarillo

by Matthew Watkins
Wed, February 11, 2026 at 1:03 PM
Updated Wed, February 11, 2026 at 2:25 PM

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Amarillo Public Health says 12 birds in the Amarillo area have tested “non-negative” for the H5 strain of avian influenza, strongly suggesting the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), according to a health advisory issued Wednesday.

The update follows an earlier advisory on Feb. 3 after reports of sick and dead birds in the area. Employees with Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare, and the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, collected 239 dead geese and ducks on Feb. 1. The birds were discovered Sunday at McDonald Lake, located near 45th Ave. and Coulter Street.

Between Feb. 1 and Feb. 9, Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare submitted samples from 18 birds for testing. Of those, 12 tested non-negative for H5, highly suspecting highly pathogenic avian influenza.
...

https://abc7amarillo.com/news/local/12-birds-test-non-negative-for-bird-flu-after-hundreds-of-dead-birds-found-in-amarillo-avian-influenza-anmal-management-and-wefare-department-of-public-health-animal-management-and-welfare-symptoms-cough-fever-sore-throat-conjunctivitis-pink-eye-ppe

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Horseshoe Bay, Texas
/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horseshoe_Bay,_Texas
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City of Horseshoe Bay, Texas's Post

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City of Horseshoe Bay, Texas
4d ·

Recently in the City of Horseshoe Bay, we have been experiencing an unusually high death rate of buzzards due to avian influenza. Citizens should avoid ALL animal carcasses and keep household pets away from carcasses. To have deceased wildlife safely removed, please contact Animal Control at 830.598.2633. Read more here: https://horseshoe-bay-tx.gov/Archive...wFile/Item/555.



https://www.facebook.com/horseshoeba...2uzpV1VqVEoCgl

[Commonground]

Texas Parks and Wildlife News Release
Feb. 17, 2026
Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030


AUSTIN —Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) urges caution as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to circulate among wild birds in Amarillo and Lubbock.

Detected in all 50 states across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, HPAI is a highly contagious zoonotic virus (meaning that humans can catch the virus) that transmits easily among wild and domestic birds. It can spread directly between animals and indirectly through environmental contamination.

The congregation of waterfowl and other migratory birds around food, water sources and backyard flocks increases the potential spread of the disease.

The public can assist in interrupting HPAI transmission by limiting all unnecessary contact with wild birds. In areas that currently have a higher number of HPAI detections, TPWD discourages the public from feeding wildlife, which includes the use of bird feeders. Staff also recommends the hazing of wildlife away from food and water sources.

The public should take general precautions by not handling any sick or dead wildlife and by not allowing pets to interact with sick or dead wildlife. If a pet frequents areas with wildlife, they should make sure their pets are up to date on vaccinations.

If you encounter a wild animal with signs consistent with HPAI, contact your local TPWD wildlife biologist.

What is Avian Influenza:
-snip-

Clinical Signs and Transmission:

Clinical signs include neurological disease such as incoordination or stumbling, lethargy, trembling, seizures, lack of fear of people, coughing and sneezing and sudden death, though birds infected with HPAI may not always have outward signs of infection. The virus may spread in a variety of ways, including through contact with infected wild and domestic birds as well as by contaminated equipment, clothing and shoes of caretakers.

For mammals, transmission occurs primarily through the consumption of infected animal carcasses and contaminated equipment.

Currently, the transmission risk of avian influenza from infected birds to people remains low, but the public should take basic protective measures if contact with wild animals cannot be avoided. Public and health care professionals can find more information about HPAI in humans from the Texas Department of State Health Services. If you develop signs of illness after you have been in contact with an HPAI-positive animal or animal with clinical signs suspicious for HPAI immediately contact your healthcare provider and let them know about the exposure.

Prevention:

TPWD currently suggests discontinuing the use of bird feeders but if they are left up in areas with higher detections numbers then the bird feeders and water sources should be cleaned at least every two weeks with a solution of one part household bleach to nine parts water. Change water in birdbaths every few days and regularly remove wet feed and seed from feed and water sources.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/rel...20be%20avoided.

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When a Dead Bird Becomes a Public Health Signal: Galveston County’s Avian Flu Surveillance


February 19, 2026 • 2:45 p.m. by Jessica Rodriguez, MPH


Galveston County Bird Flu Inforgraphic designed by UTMB graduate student Jillian Clack

In November and December 2025, the Galveston County Health District (GCHD) reported confirmed avian influenza in local birds, with testing identifying Influenza Type A positive for the H5 strain, described as presumptively positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).¹ That announcement wasn’t just a wildlife update; it was a One Health observation in real time. In Galveston County, 27 dead birds were reported, and ten were sent to the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) One Health Laboratory for diagnostic testing and confirmation, reflecting the kind of rapid cross-sector response needed when an animal health event could affect pets and people.¹ Avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds, but the virus can spill over into other animals under the right conditions.² While these viruses are mostly adapted to birds, history has shown they can occasionally infect people and other mammals—typically after close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. Past spillover events, such as H5N1 and H7N9 outbreaks linked to poultry exposure, are why public health agencies emphasize early detection in animals. Monitoring and testing sick or dead birds helps partners understand where the virus is showing up, which species are affected, and whether the risk picture is changing.

According to GCHD, 10 people had direct contact with infected birds and were evaluated; those who developed symptoms were tested and the results were negative for influenza virus, and eight individuals received Tamiflu (oseltamivir) as post-exposure prophylaxis. GCHD also stated that there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission at the time and that the risk to the general public remained low. Nationally, the CDC continues to describe the current public health risk as low and uses multiple surveillance systems to monitor for unusual influenza activity.

Because some mammals can be infected after contact with sick or dead birds, individuals are urged to take extra caution, especially to avoid contact with outdoor cats because they hunt or scavenge birds and therefore, are at higher risk of exposure to the virus.

Additionally, it’s advised to watch for symptoms in pets and other domestic animals, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, breathing difficulty, discharge, neurologic signs (stumbling/tremors/disorientation), or sudden death, and seeking veterinary care if these occur.

This is exactly the kind of “connected systems” work UTMB One Health was built for, with a mission to improve health in humans, animals, and the environment through research and capacity building.³

A partial list of participants in the “Community-Based Partnership for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses among Deceased Wild Birds, Galveston County, Texas” include:

• Galveston County Health District: Philip K. Keiser, Amanda Wolfe
• Galveston County Animal Services: Shivonne M. Ryans, Robert Kaufman, Alexandra Sierra, Craig Mixson, Dontrae Smith, Emily Barnes, Faith Mohr, Gretchen Gray, Lori Mead,
• Galveston National Laboratory: Gene G. Olinger
• Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine UTMB: Lyudmyla V. Marushchak, Judith U. Oguzie, Thang Nguyen-Tien, Jessica Rodriguez,Ismaila Shittu, Claudia M. Trujillo-Vargas, Susan L. F. McLellan, and Corri B. Levine.
• Department of Epidemiology, School of School of Public and Population Health UTMB: Caitlin J. Cotter, Jillian Clack
• UTMB’s Special Pathogens Excellence in Clinical Treatment: Susan L. F. McLellan, Corri B. Levine

References

1. Galveston County Health District. (2025, December 1). Galveston County confirms avian influenza in local bird population. https://www.gchd.org/Home/Components/News/News/4936/65
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. H5 bird flu: Current situation. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situati...ary/index.html
3. The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. About us (UTMB One Health). https://www.utmb.edu/one-health/about-us

https://www.utmb.edu/one-health/news...u-surveillance

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Community-Based Surveillance for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses among Deceased Birds

Posted March 07, 2026.
Download PDF

View ORCID ProfileLyudmyla Marushchak, View ORCID ProfileCaitlin Cotter, View ORCID ProfileJudith Oguzie, Philip Keiser, Thang Nguyen-Tien, Jessica Rodriguez, View ORCID ProfileIsmaila Shittu, View ORCID ProfileClaudia Trujillo-Vargas, Amanda Wolff, Shivonne Ryans, Robert Kaufman, Jillian Clack, Susan McLellan, Gene Olinger, View ORCID ProfileGregory C. Gray

doi: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.03.06.710164

This article is a preprint and has not been certified by peer review [what does this mean?].

Abstract

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, are spreading worldwide, posing a threat to wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. In 2025, a multidisciplinary collaboration for HPAI H5N1 surveillance among birds within Galveston County, Texas, was initiated. Between November and December 2025, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected from wild and domestic birds reported as dead or dying by Galveston County residents. Specimens were studied with molecular assays, Sanger sequencing, virus isolation, and next-generation sequencing. Molecular evidence of HPAI H5N1 was detected in 7 of 10 (70%) birds, and the virus was successfully cultured in MDCK cells. Next-generation sequencing analysis of eight influenza A genome segments demonstrated a 4:4 gene segment reassortant constellation within clade 2.3.4.4b, consistent with genotype D1.1. Community members exposed to HPAI were offered antiviral prophylaxis. No human infections were identified. This surveillance demonstrates that community involvement combined with cross-sectoral collaboration can ensure rapid detection and characterization of circulating avian influenza viruses. Sustained local surveillance is essential for early warning, risk assessment, and prevention of virus spread to poultry, mammals, and humans.
...

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.03.06.710164v1

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Excerpt from the PDF:
...
Discussion
...
In this surveillance work, we detected avian influenza A H5N1 viruses consistent with
genotype D1.1 genome constellation from dead birds. Identification of a D1.1-like genome
constellation in the context of avian mortality is epidemiologically important, as it indicates
ongoing circulation of this reassortant virus in wild bird populations and underscores the role of
wild birds as both maintenance hosts and sources of repeated introductions into new settings.

Beyond identification of the 4:4 reassortant genotype D1.1 constellation, the detection of
specific molecular markers associated with mammalian adaptation and immune modulation is
epidemiologically significant. Substitutions in the polymerase genes (PB2 I495V, A676T; PB1
S375N) have been experimentally linked to enhanced polymerase activity and increased
virulence in mammalian hosts, suggesting potential for improved replication efficiency outside
avian species [21; 22]. NA substitutions (P272S and N329S) may influence antigenicity and
antiviral susceptibility [23], while NS1 D171N and NS1 P87S may contribute to modulation of
innate immune responses and immune evasion [24; 25]. Although no zoonotic transmission was
detected in this investigation, the presence of these mutations within wild bird–derived H5N1
viruses underscores the dynamic evolutionary landscape of clade 2.3.4.4b viruses. Continuous
genomic monitoring is therefore essential to detect accumulation of adaptive mutations that
could increase pathogenicity, transmissibility, or zoonotic risk.

From a One Health perspective, confirmation of D1.1 in dead birds also serves as an early
warning for nearby poultry operations and the potential of mammalian spillover, given that
carcasses and contaminated environments can facilitate the exposure of scavengers, predators,
and peridomestic animals. Accordingly, surveillance is essential to monitor the emergence and
spread of reassortant genotypes and to strengthen ongoing risk assessment efforts.
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