California condor samples test positive for H5N1 bird flu at OSU’s veterinary diagnostic laboratory
New university findings highlight potential implications for cats, public health, and veterinary practice.
— At least seven deceased California condors from a northern Arizona population were infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza this spring, the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University has found.
Fish and Wildlife Service has reported a total of 20 deceased condors in the Arizona flock, with 10 confirmed positive for HPAI, including those tested at OSU.
OSU is currently testing additional deceased condor samples for HPAI.
The deceased birds to date represent nearly 4% of the condor population left in the world.
The OSU laboratory detected HPAI in samples from 11 dead condors from the Arizona population.
Seven of those have been confirmed by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory, and OSU lab supervisors are awaiting final confirmation on the last four samples OSU tested.
The same virulent H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40 million egg-laying hens in the U.S since the current outbreak began in January 2022, with the losses also contributing to rising egg prices.
The virus, which has no cure, is spread via bird-to-bird contact and also affects many mammals.
There are only about 500 California condors in the world, so a highly pathogenic, highly contagious disease hitting the species is alarming, said Kurt Williams, director of the diagnostic laboratory housed in OSU’s Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine.
Due to many human factors including poisoning, shooting, habitat degradation and the collection of eggs and feathers, California condors nearly went extinct in the 1980s, with a population low of 22 birds.
The report adds to ongoing university-led research relevant to veterinary medicine, animal health, and clinical decision-making.
Source university website: Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine
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