Madison Kwiecinski 

News Editor 

Mvk5945@psu.edu 

The first case of a new strain of Avian Influenza was found in a deceased Bald Eagle in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Game Commission announced a dead bald eagle had tested positive for the highly contagious pathogenic avian influenza, otherwise known as HPAI H5N1. The bird was found outside of Philadelphia. 

This strain of the disease was first discovered in the United States in 2021, according to the commission. The commission is also testing an additional five other birds that have been found outside of Venango and Clarion counties. Birds can carry the disease without showing any symptoms, creating a dangerous environment for the several types of species that can die of this disease. When experiencing symptoms, they can include losing control of flight or other neurological symptoms of dysfunction. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or the CDC, states that the risk to humans for avian influenza are currently very low, but they will continue to monitor the situation. The virus can be deadly for multiple species of birds, which includes but is not limited to turkeys, hawks, eagles, gulls, ducks and geese.

“While this HPAI outbreak does not appear to have significantly impacted wild bird populations, it has the potential to significantly affect the commercial poultry industry and international trade,” the Pennsylvania Game Commission said.

Although the risk to humans is currently low, the game commission recommends everyone to limit any unnecessary exposure to wildlife. People are encouraged to avoid all contact with wild birds and practice proper hygiene when they have come into contact with wild species.