A University of Georgia team reports that highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) is affecting black vultures across parts of the United States. The researchers tested 134 dead black vultures from seven states, and more than 84% were positive. Nicole Nemeth of UGA's Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study warns the sampled carcasses "may represent tens or hundreds of thousands of black vultures," suggesting the tested birds could indicate a much larger, unseen toll on the species.
The study points to scavenging behaviour as a key factor: because vultures feed on carcasses, they can keep the virus circulating beyond the usual bird flu season. Year‑round transmission raises the number of viral replication cycles, which increases opportunities for mutation and the emergence of new variants that might affect other wildlife, domestic animals or humans. The authors stress there is no current evidence that such dangerous changes have occurred in vultures, but the risk remains uncertain.
The paper also highlights threats to species with small populations. In 2023 an outbreak in California condors killed at least 20 birds; there are fewer than 600 condors and about a third are held in captivity, so even a small number of deaths can be a major threat. H5 influenza was first detected in the 1990s and has infected many wild and domestic animals, from dairy cows and house cats to dolphins and bears. The authors warn that continued circulation and mixing of the virus creates a wide diversity of variants that could affect both wildlife and domestic animals. The research appears in Scientific Reports (source: University of Georgia).
Difficult words
- avian influenza — a virus disease that affects bird species
- pathogenic — able to cause disease in an organism
- scavenging behaviour — feeding on dead animals in the environment
- carcass — dead body of an animalcarcasses
- replication — process of copying genetic material
- mutation — change in an organism's genetic code
- variant — a form of a virus that is differentvariants
- outbreak — a sudden increase in disease cases
- captivity — condition of being kept in confinement
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What actions could wildlife managers take to protect scavenger species from H5N1, based on the risks described in the article?
- How might year‑round virus circulation in wild birds affect the safety of domestic animals and humans? Give reasons from the text.
- Why is monitoring outbreaks in species with small populations important, and how can studies like this inform conservation decisions?
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