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Virginia: H5N1 in wild birds 2024-2026

Shiloh

Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: https://www.morningagclips.com/va-d...-increase-in-cases-of-avian-flu-in-wild-birds

Va. DWR Montioring Increase in Cases of Avian Flu in Wild Birds
Numerous species of shorebirds and waterbirds have been reported
PUBLISHED ON April 7, 2024
Wildlife Resources​

RICHMOND, Va. — In the past few weeks, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has received an increasing number of reports of sick or dead birds in the eastern part of the state with the first report provided by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in early March. Preliminary testing indicates that the likely cause is H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Confirmatory testing at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory is still pending.

At this time, infected birds have been found in the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and Hampton Roads regions of the state. Numerous species of shorebirds and waterbirds have been reported, but grebes, sanderlings, and gulls appear to be the most affected.

“DWR is working closely with our partners including the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to ensure all Virginians and agricultural producers are aware of the increased detection and can take precautions to keep themselves and their livestock safe,” said John Tracey, State Wildlife Veterinarian, DWR.​..
 
Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: May 07, 2024
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Virginia Hampton 04/17/2024 04/30/2024 EA H5N1 Horned grebe Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Hampton 04/17/2024 04/30/2024 EA H5N1 Horned grebe Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Hampton 04/17/2024 04/30/2024 EA H5N1 Horned grebe Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Hampton 04/17/2024 04/30/2024 EA H5N1 Horned grebe Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Norfolk 04/17/2024 04/30/2024 EA H5N1 Red-tailed hawk Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Norfolk 03/09/2024 04/10/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Norfolk 03/09/2024 04/10/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Hampton 03/09/2024 04/10/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Norfolk 03/08/2024 04/10/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Norfolk 03/10/2024 04/10/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Norfolk 03/12/2024 04/10/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Norfolk 03/11/2024 04/10/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Virginia Beach 03/13/2024 04/09/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Norfolk 03/10/2024 04/09/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Norfolk 03/10/2024 04/09/2024 EA H5N1 Sanderling Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Virginia Beach 03/13/2024 04/09/2024 EA H5N1 American crow Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Norfolk 03/09/2024 04/09/2024 EA H5N1 Ruddy turnstone Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Norfolk 03/14/2024 04/09/2024 EA H5N1 American crow Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Spotsylvania 02/05/2023 03/04/2024 EA H5N1 Bald eagle Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Powhatan 02/06/2024 02/21/2024 EA H5N1 Canada goose Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Powhatan 02/06/2024 02/21/2024 EA H5N1 Canada goose Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Surry 01/20/2024 02/01/2024 EA H5N1 American black duck Wild bird Hunter harvest
Virginia Surry 01/20/2024 02/01/2024 EA H5N1 Hooded merganser Wild bird Hunter harvest
Virginia Henrico 01/23/2024 02/01/2024 EA H5N1 Wood duck Wild bird Hunter harvest
Virginia Surry 01/13/2024 01/25/2024 EA H5N1 Green-winged teal Wild bird Hunter harvest
Virginia Essex 01/11/2024 01/25/2024 EA H5N1 Green-winged teal Wild bird Hunter harvest

...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds
 
Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: June 04, 2024
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Virginia Chesterfield 09/09/2023 05/31/2024 EA H5N1 Bald eagle Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
West Virginia Monongalia 05/23/2022 05/31/2024 EA H5N1 Bald eagle Captive wild bird Morbidity/Mortality

...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds
 
Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: June 26, 2024
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Virginia King George 12/24/2023 06/21/2024 EA H5N1 Bald eagle Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Virginia Essex 02/19/2024 06/21/2024 EA H5N1 Bald eagle Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality


https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds
 
Metro Richmond Zoo reports positive bird flu cases

​1/20/2025
12 On Your Side Digital Team


CHESTERFIELD, Va. (WWBT) - The Metro Richmond Zoo has reported two positive cases of H5 bird flu.

“A deceased crane tested positive for bird flu at VDACS laboratory on January 16,” the zoo said Monday. “A second crane presumptively tested positive for bird flu. This is the first positive bird flu test in the zoo’s 30-year history.” ...

https://www.msn.com/en-us/pets-and-...o-reports-positive-bird-flu-cases/ar-AA1xxwKH
 
About 200 bird flu cases reported in Virginia
Posted: May 23, 2025 / 04:16 PM EDT​

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Avian influenza, or bird flu, is rising, and Virginia has found about 200 reported cases, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR).

On Friday, May 23, the department said around 200 cases of bird flu have been reported this year in an email to 8News, after originally stating there were 200 cases on April 25. The two cases were tests pending that came back as negative, dropping the total number of cases to 198, according to the department.

The rest of April had two more reports or cases, and May had four, making a total of 204. The department is reminding Virginians that this often includes multiple birds and not just one.

According to the department, the virus doesn’t survive well in high temperatures, so they said they are hopeful this is “the last of it for this busy spring wave.”
“We are still encouraging the public to treat all bird mortality events as if they are avian influenza related. This means not handling dead birds unless necessary and then, using proper protection and disposing of the carcasses properly.”
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES​


The department urges you to contact the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 855-571-9003 or email wildlifehealth@dwr.virginia.gov if you or someone you know sees any of the following wild bird occurrences:
  • Five or more dead vultures, waterfowl, shorebirds or seabirds in the same area within five days
  • Sick or dead eagles, hawks, owls or turkeys, excluding carcasses found on the road
  • Ten or more dead wild birds of any other species in the same area within five days
For information on proper protection and disposal, reporting and a list of localities, you are asked to visit the department’s website
​[also at the department's website is a listing of Counties and Month of Last Report]

https://www.wric.com/health/about-200-bird-flu-cases-confirmed-in-virginia/
 
Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification
VirginiaStafford4/1/20256/23/2025EA/AM H5N1Black vultureWild bird
VirginiaStafford4/1/20256/23/2025EA/AM H5N1Black vultureWild bird
VirginiaChesapeake3/27/20256/23/2025EA/AM H5N1Great horned owlWild bird
VirginiaChesterfield2/28/20253/10/2025EA/AM H5N1Black vultureWild bird
VirginiaChesterfield2/28/20253/10/2025EA/AM H5N1Black vultureWild bird
VirginiaVirginia Beach1/18/20251/31/2025EA H5Ruddy duckWild bird
VirginiaSurry1/18/20251/29/2025EA/AM H5N1Hooded merganserWild bird
VirginiaSurry1/18/20251/29/2025EA H5Hooded merganserWild bird
VirginiaSurry1/18/20251/29/2025EA H5Ring-necked duckWild bird
VirginiaVirginia Beach1/20/20251/29/2025EA H5GadwallWild bird
VirginiaVirginia Beach1/8/20251/16/2025EA/AM H5N1Green-winged tealWild bird
​...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds
 
Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: July 09, 2025
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method
VirginiaJames City3/10/20257/3/2025EA/AM H5N1Bald eagleWild birdMorbidity/Mortality
VirginiaVirginia Beach3/19/20257/3/2025EA/AM H5N1Bonaparte's gullWild birdMorbidity/Mortality
VirginiaNorthampton3/19/20257/3/2025EA/AM H5N1Great horned owlWild birdMorbidity/Mortality

...
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds
 
Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: October 08, 2025​
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method
VirginiaWythe9/24/202510/6/2025EA H5Black vultureWild birdMorbidity/Mortality
VirginiaFluvanna9/28/202510/2/2025EA H5Vulture (unidentified)Wild birdMorbidity/Mortality

...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds
 
Avian Influenza
...
image.png - Click image for larger version  Name:	image.png Views:	1 Size:	72.4 KB ID:	1021318

*Not all reports are confirmed with laboratory testing. DWR attempts to test enough individuals to get a landscape-level view of disease activity. Sometimes carcass decomposition or logistical hurdles prevent testing.
...


https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/diseases/avian-influenza/
 
For Immediate Release
October 20, 2025

DWR Asking Public to Report After Increase in Suspected Cases of Avian Influenza

Richmond, VA — The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has recently received reports of groups of dead black vultures across the state including several counties in Southwest Virginia. Preliminary testing indicates that the likely cause is H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Although disease activity is currently centered in black vultures, with migration season beginning, it is likely there will be mortalities in other bird species as well.

DWR asks that if you observe any of the following, please notify the Department by calling the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003 or emailing wildlifehealth@dwr.virginia.gov.
  • Five or more dead vultures, waterfowl, shorebirds, or seabirds in the same area within five days
  • Sick or dead eagles, hawks, owls, or turkeys, excluding ones found on the road
  • Ten or more dead wild birds of any species in the same area within five days
The public is advised to avoid picking up or handling sick or dead wild birds. If you must dispose of a dead bird on your property, wear rubber gloves and other personal protective equipment, such as a mask and eye protection. Dead birds should be buried or double bagged and disposed of in a secured outdoor trash can or landfill. After disposing of the carcass, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and disinfect clothing, and shoes. If you are frequently in contact with poultry, including backyard flocks, or other domesticated birds, you are encouraged to have separate clothing and shoes for use in the areas where you keep those birds. In addition, keep flocks away from vultures and ponds or similar bodies of water that are also accessible to wild waterfowl. Taking these precautions will help reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

For more information and guidance, visit DWR’s avian influenza webpage.

If you develop any flu-like symptoms after handling wild birds (fever, body aches, red or itchy eyes, etc.), contact your state or local health department.

Again, the public can help DWR monitor this wildlife health issue by reporting incidents of sick or dead wild birds to 1-855-571-9003 or wildlifehealth@dwr.virginia.gov.

https://dwr.virginia.gov/media/pres...crease-in-suspected-cases-of-avian-influenza/

 
Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: October 28, 2025
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method
VirginiaWashington10/9/202510/24/2025EA H5Black vultureWild birdMorbidity/Mortality
VirginiaSmyth10/14/202510/24/2025EA H5Black vultureWild birdMorbidity/Mortality
...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds
 
Posted on: October 30, 2025​
Public Notice

Avian Influenza (H5N1) and Recent Black Vulture Deaths

Due to recent reports of dead Vultures at Roslyn Landing Park, as well as, around the State, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has issued news about the rise in black vulture deaths, which are believed to be caused by the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1). The DWR is asking the public to report suspected cases to help track the spread. Specifically, residents should report any find of five or more dead vultures, waterfowl, shorebirds, or seabirds in the same area within five days.

What to do if you find dead vultures:
    • Do not touch the birds: Avoid direct contact with the carcasses.
    • Report the finding: If you find five or more dead vultures (or other waterfowl, shorebirds, or seabirds) in the same area within a five-day period, notify the DWR.
    • Report other suspicious cases: You should also report if you find sick or dead eagles, hawks, owls, or turkeys that are not the result of a vehicle collision.
What you should know about the avian flu outbreak:
    • Cause: Preliminary testing points to the H5N1 avian influenza strain as the likely cause of the vulture deaths.
    • Affected species: While the current disease activity appears concentrated in black vultures, the DWR warns that other bird species could be impacted, especially with fall migration underway.
    • Public health: The DWR advises washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer after any potential exposure to wild birds. If you develop flu-like symptoms after handling wild birds, contact your state or local health department.
Department of Wildlife Resources - 1-855-571-9003 or wildlifehealth@dwr.virginia.gov

https://www.colonialheightsva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1677

 
Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: November 04, 2025
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method​
VirginiaChesterfield10/16/202510/31/2025EA H5Black vultureWild birdMorbidity/Mortality
VirginiaChesterfield10/16/202510/31/2025EA H5Black vultureWild birdMorbidity/Mortality
VirginiaChesterfield10/16/202510/31/2025EA H5Black vultureWild birdMorbidity/Mortality
VirginiaChesterfield10/16/202510/31/2025EA H5Black vultureWild birdMorbidity/Mortality
VirginiaDanville City10/16/202510/31/2025EA H5Black vultureWild birdMorbidity/Mortality
VirginiaDanville City10/16/202510/31/2025EA H5Black vultureWild birdMorbidity/Mortality
VirginiaAlbemarle10/16/202510/31/2025EA H5Black vultureWild birdMorbidity/Mortality
VirginiaAlbemarle10/16/202510/31/2025EA H5Black vultureWild birdMorbidity/Mortality
VirginiaAlbemarle10/16/202510/31/2025EA H5Black vultureWild birdMorbidity/Mortality


https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds
 
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