Raptors May Hold the Key to Early Bird Flu Detection in Minnesota

The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota has been testing birds for avian influenza since 2022. Its work may provide early warnings for bird flu threats to public health and the poultry industry. The centre has tested over 5,000 birds in the past two years. Most of these tests involved live raptors, though some were conducted on euthanised birds due to health concerns. Among the cases, 270 raptors, including young owls and eagles, tested positive for the virus.

A bald eagle infected with bird flu was detected two weeks before an outbreak hit a turkey farm. This early detection highlights the potential of raptor monitoring as a warning system. Minnesota, the top turkey-producing state, has lost more than 10 million commercial birds to avian influenza since 2022.

Research suggests raptors are developing some immunity to the virus. However, experts believe bird flu is likely to remain endemic in the region. The Raptor Center’s findings could help protect both wild birds and commercial flocks. Its testing programme continues to play a key role in tracking and understanding the spread of avian influenza. The data collected may offer critical insights for farmers and health authorities.