Each spring, Alaska becomes one of the most important crossroads for migratory birds in the world. With millions of birds arriving from both Asia, the Americas, and more. This seasonal movement increases the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) entering and spreading across the state.
Avian influenza outbreaks have caused serious disease in both wild birds and poultry over the years, but generally the outbreaks only lasted for short periods of time in the United States.
In 2021, a strain of HPAI called H5N1 was introduced to North America from European wild birds, and cases were quickly discovered in wild birds all across the country. Researchers are still tracking this strain of HPAI worldwide in 2026, and it has proven to be highly unusual compared to previous avian influenza outbreaks.
According to the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, this H5N1 outbreak has affected a much wider range of wildlife than typically seen. It has caused severe disease in large numbers of wild birds (170+ species), including waterfowl and raptors. Raptors are highly susceptible to this HPAI strain, and the illness is nearly 100% fatal to raptors. In contrast, waterfowl can be susceptible to illness, or can show no signs of illness while still being exposed to the virus. Birds in general can be exposed through close contact with infected birds, ingestion of feces or contaminated water, which can occur more readily when gathered in large groups
This is especially important in Alaska, where millions of migratory birds gather each year and where waterfowl, seabirds, and raptors often share habitats, increasing the potential for the virus to spread across species and ecosystems.
Already in 2026, HPAI has been detected in wild birds and poultry across much of North America, including 21 confirmed wild bird cases in Alaska so far in 2026 (detected in mallards, common ravens, green-winged teal, northern pintails, and brandt goose as of April 2026). The public can check real time updates on current positive reports in wild birds by visiting the USDA APHIS detections in wild birds chart.
A Wider Impact: Avian Influenza is Affecting Mammals Too
While the current strain is considered low risk to people, it can still affect other animals. Mammals like foxes can become sick after scavenging infected birds, and pets such as dogs and cats may also be at risk if they come into contact with or pick up dead birds. In early April 2026, a variant of HPAI was confirmed in a red fox in Nome, a reminder that this virus is not limited to birds and can impact other wildlife, especially scavengers.
Globally, HPAI has also caused significant impacts on marine mammals, including large scale die offs of seals and sea lions. Currently, scientists are tracking cases in the California area for a variety of marine mammal species. This situation began in February 2026 after elephant seal weanlings tested positive for HPAI:
“On February 19th and 20th, multiple northern elephant seal weanling pups were observed dead at Año Nuevo State Park in San Mateo County, California. Live elephant seal weanlings were also observed with tremors and seizure activity. In collaboration with University of California, Davis, researchers from University of California, Santa Cruz responded to collect samples from 7 sick and dead animals for testing at the California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS) laboratory at UC Davis. Initial screening revealed that the samples were positive for influenza A, subtype H5. The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) later confirmed infection with influenza A subtype H5N1 (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, HPAI).”
How We’re Responding at the ASLC and How You Can Help
At the Alaska SeaLife Center, we are actively monitoring developments around avian influenza and have implemented precautionary mitigation measures to help protect the animals in our care. This includes plans for enhanced biosecurity protocols and careful coordination with state and federal partners. You may notice an increase in biosecurity measures like foot bath mats and special requirements for behind-the-scenes tours, particularly when entering avian and mammals areas.
Visitors and our community play an important role in these efforts, too. If you are spending time in areas with high concentrations of birds such as marshy areas, beaches, coastal trails, and more, simple steps can make a meaningful difference. Disinfecting shoes, gear, and clothing before and after visiting these areas can help reduce the risk of unintentionally spreading pathogens between environments.
Remember that some birds, particularly waterfowl, can carry the virus without showing clinical signs. Giving wildlife plenty of space and observing from a distance is always important, and this year it could also help reduce the spread of HPAI.
As migration continues, your observations matter.
Alaska’s ecosystems are deeply connected, and seasonal migration is a powerful reminder of how wildlife, environments, and communities are linked across continents. Staying informed and reporting what you see helps protect both wildlife and the people who depend on these ecosystems every day.
If you are spending time outdoors, keep an eye out for birds that appear disoriented, are walking in circles, showing unusual head or neck positions, have jerky head movements, or are behaving abnormally around people. Sadly, some cases may involve multiple dead birds in one area.
Reporting
If you see something concerning or a bird with an unidentified cause of death, do not handle the bird. Instead, report it so trained teams can respond and track potential spread.
Alaska Sick or Dead Bird Hotline:
1-866-527-3358
When reporting, include location, species if known, number of birds, and what you observed.
For Seward Locals:
The ASLC 24-hour stranded marine animal hotline is available to help with bird reports in the Seward area, particularly with marine birds.
1-888-774-7325
Other bird rehabilitation resources in Alaska:
Bird TLC: https://www.birdtlc.org/hpai
Alaska Raptor Center: https://alaskaraptor.org/hpai/
Resources
We encourage you to stay informed and explore trusted resources to better understand how avian influenza is impacting wildlife in Alaska and beyond. Here are a few to get started:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:
https://www.fws.gov/avian-influenza
Alaska Department of Fish and Game:
https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=disease.avianinfluenza
Alaska Office of the State Veterinarian: https://dec.alaska.gov/eh/vet/animal-health-disease/avian-influenza/
Native American Fish and Wildlife Society Alaska:
https://nafws.org/avian-influenza/alaska/
World Organisation for Animal Health (check out the great informational video!) https://www.woah.org/en/disease/avian-influenza/
Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-bird-flu-resource-center/wildlife
Real Time Updates for Positive Cases in the USA:
USDA APHIS detections in wild birds
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds
USDA APHIS detections in mammals
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals
Upcoming public meeting with USGS on HPAI:
Blow written by Kaiti Grant, ASLC Media & Communications Manager
Illustrations by Anna R., ASLC Design Apprentice