Observations of mortality and unusual wild bird behavior in Alaska - 2022

Last Update: July 18, 2022

This map includes observations of wild birds displaying these behaviors or conditions, which are suggestive of HPAI in wild birds:

• Walking or swimming in circles
• Inability to stand or remain upright
• Paralysis
• Severely twisted neck
• Constant head shaking
• Tremors, seizures, or involuntary muscle spasms
• Bird has lost its fear of humans
• Rapid death such that a carcass appears to be in good condition and without obvious signs of injury

Data for this map was collated from reports made to the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Alaska Sick and Dead Bird Hotline (1-866-527-3558), the LEO Network, and other sources. There are many types of reports received on the hotline. This map includes the reports of wild birds that meet the stated "unusual behavior" criteria. The map summarizes local observations throughout Alaska about unusual wild bird behavior and mortality that may be associated with the ongoing outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The observations summarized here do not depict confirmed HPAI cases, but rather, represent observations, or syndromic surveillance, suggestive of HPAI in wild birds. For information on laboratory confirmed cases of HPAI in wild birds in Alaska, please see the State of Alaska, Division of Environmental Health website here. The State of Alaska website is updated as data becomes available through the national laboratory testing efforts. For more information about wildlife health and human health related to HPAI, please see the links provided below.

• Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Environmental Health, State Veterinarian: HPAI Outbreaks and Biosecurity
• Alaska Department of Health, Division of Public Health, Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
• US Fish and Wildlife Service, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Migratory Birds in Alaska.
• Local Environmental Observer (LEO) Network (Zoonotic Flu category search)