How do scientists know if individual wild birds are infected with avian influenza?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture implements a plan every year to monitor wild birds for highly pathogenic avian influenza. This national plan could not be implemented without the engagement of State partners, the National Flyway Council, the Department of the Interior, and other agencies. This coordinated effort is revised annually based on new science and data shared through the Interagency Steering Committee for Avian Influenza Surveillance in Wild Migratory Birds. Biological samples from hundreds of thousands of live-captured, apparently healthy wild birds; hunter-harvested birds; and dead wild birds contribute to these surveillance efforts. 

The USGS National Wildlife Health Center is USDA’s primary partner for testing sick and dead migratory birds for avian influenza.

Learn more: USGS science on avian influenza