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NWDP - Avian Health

Avian Influenza

Avian influenza virus infections are common in wild birds around the world. In most cases, infected birds show little sign of disease; however, some strains can become highly pathogenic in domestic poultry and more recently, those highly pathogenic strains have been circulating persistently in wild birds. Highly pathogenic avian influenza is extremely contagious and deadly to domestic poultry. If found in the United States, the appropriate management action is to quickly eradicate the disease to protect poultry producers, flocks, and the economy. Wild bird surveillance helps APHIS to better understand and track the presence or introduction of avian influenza along migratory wild bird pathways. Advanced warnings from wild bird surveillance enable poultry producers to consider altering biosecurity in the face of increased AIV risk and also help inform zoonotic disease potential. For more information, please see: 2022 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

Avian Paramyxovirus serotype-1

Newcastle disease is a contagious viral disease of birds and is caused by virulent avian paramyxovirus serotype 1. More than 230 bird species are susceptible to avian paramyxoviruses, but many infected birds do not show symptoms. In wild birds, the effects vary depending on the bird species and the severity of the APMV strain. Newcastle disease is usually suspected when large die-offs of cormorants, gulls, or pelicans are detected in the upper Midwest or northeast regions of the United States.

Severity of avian paramyxovirus serotype-1 is measured by its ability to cause disease in chickens and is subsequently categorized as a high or low pathogenic virus. Virulent Newcastle disease virus (vND) refers only to virus strains of high pathogenicity. The poultry industry is concerned with vND because it causes illness, death, and reduced egg production that can result in severe economic losses. While rare in the United States, vND has been introduced in the past by illegal trafficking of exotic birds.

Other Avian Health Diseases

Arboviruses are pathogens that can be transmitted by arthropods, like mosquitoes. Some of these viruses can cause severe disease in humans and can even result in death. Arboviruses that the NWDP has worked on in the past include Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), and LaCrosse virus (LACV). 

Salmonella spp. are common bacteria causing infection in birds, other animals, and people. Salmonella spp. infection is a continuous problem for the poultry industry and leads to significant morbidity and mortality in domestic flocks. Eggs or meat contaminated with Salmonella spp. can cause disease outbreaks in people and represent a public health risk. Infection is common in wild birds, especially in areas where large numbers of birds gather.

Additional Information

• 2022 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
• Avian Influenza and Wild Birds (Link to surveillance plans, wild bird data, tips for improving biosecurity through wildlife management)
• APHIS Avian Influenza Website

NWDP Coordinator

Julianna B. Lenoch, DVM, MPH
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine 
Julianna.B.Lenoch@usda.gov 
(970) 266-6056
USDA/APHIS/WS4101 Laporte Ave
Fort Collins, CO 80521

Avian Health | Chronic Wasting Disease | Bovine Tuberculosis | Feral Swine | Plague | RHDV2 | SARS-CoV-2 | SERS