Fish & Wildlife Disease: Avian Disease

Avian Influenza

Since 2006, we have partnered with agencies around the world to monitor the spread of highly pathogenic (HPAI) avian influenza. In 2014, our scientists detected three HPAI viruses for the first time in wild birds in North America: H5N2, H5N8, and a recombinant H5N1. In response to HPAI detections, our scientists are working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other Federal and state agency partners.

Learn more about USGS avian influenza science >>

Avian Malaria

Avian malaria is a mosquito-borne bird disease caused by a protozoan parasite (Plasmodium relictum). P. relictum reproduces in avian red blood cells. If the parasite load is sufficiently high, the bird loses red blood cells (anemia). Because red blood cells are critical for moving oxygen about the body, loss of these cells can lead to progressive weakness and, eventually, death. This disease was introduced to Hawaii and native honeycreepers are highly susceptible. 

Avian Botulism

Avian botulism is caused by the soil bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, and causes paralysis and death in birds. Two types of botulism have been found in birds: Type C, which occurs during warmer months across the U.S., and Type E, which is found primarily in the Great Lakes.

Birds can become infected with botulism after ingesting decaying organic matter or live invertebrates that have been infected with the toxin.

USGS scientists study avian botulism on microscopic and geographic scales to answer questions about how the botulism toxin spreads through the food chain, how botulism can be controlled, and where botulism outbreaks may occur next.