The USDA is listing reports they receive of wild bird avian flu infections into a table. However, it is raw data. We have taken the time to sort data by species and give the infection count per species.
The 2022 Avian Flu is affecting wild and domestic fowl more than wild songbirds. These tables display Avian Flu infection counts in wild birds by species and by state. Wild bird species infection counts are listed in alphabetical order.
Information presented on this table was last updated on 4/15/2022. We will continue to update these reports as they come.
Please keep in mind that the USDA only lists reports they receive. This means they do not have all cases, only observed cases from their sources. Information, therefore, may be underrepresenting the true extent of this illness.
However, with that in mind, this information can still be seen as a useful sample to give us a glimpse into what birds are being infected most.
As you will see with the species breakdown, wild birds in close proximity to water seem to be most affected. Songbirds do not appear to be highly affected by this infection. But precautions such as taking down feeders or regular leaning should be taken.
See information below these tables for precautions you can take to minimize the spread as well as downloadable resources and other useful information.
Table: 2022 Avian Flu Infections by Wild Bird Species
| Wild Bird Species | Infection Count (Raw Data Source: USDA) | |
| All Species | 763 | |
| American black duck | 29 | |
| American crow | 1 | |
| American green-winged teal | 41 | |
| American white pelican | 3 | |
| American wigeon | 63 | |
| Bald eagle | 41 | |
| Black vulture | 32 | |
| Blue-winged teal | 11 | |
| Brown pelican | 3 | |
| Canada goose | 43 | |
| Cooper’s hawk | 2 | |
| Duck (unidentified) | 3 | |
| Gadwall | 33 | |
| Great blue heron | 2 | |
| Great horned owl | 6 | |
| Gull (unidentified) | 1 | |
| Herring gull | 1 | |
| Hooded merganser | 5 | |
| Lesser scaup | 20 | |
| Lesser snow goose | 6 | |
| Lesser snow goose- blue phase | 2 | |
| Mallard | 139 | |
| Merganser NOS | 1 | |
| Mute swan | 2 | |
| Northern pintail | 4 | |
| Northern shoveler | 14 | |
| Pheasant (unidentified) | 3 | |
| Redhead duck | 2 | |
| Red-shouldered hawk | 1 | |
| Red-tailed hawk | 8 | |
| Ring-billed gull | 1 | |
| Ross’s goose | 46 | |
| Ruddy duck | 1 | |
| Sanderling | 9 | |
| Snow goose | 167 | |
| Snowy owl | 6 | |
| Swan (unidentified) | 1 | |
| Trumpeter swan | 1 | |
| Tundra swan | 3 | |
| Turkey vulture | 1 | |
| Wood duck | 5 | |
| Grand Total | 763 |
Table: Avian Flu in Wild Birds by State (2022)
| State | Infection Count (USDA) | |
| Alabama | 1 | |
| Colorado | 15 | |
| Connecticut | 32 | |
| Delaware | 9 | |
| Florida | 62 | |
| Georgia | 11 | |
| Illinois | 8 | |
| Indiana | 1 | |
| Iowa | 25 | |
| Kansas | 19 | |
| Kentucky | 14 | |
| Maine | 9 | |
| Maryland | 1 | |
| Massachusetts | 13 | |
| Michigan | 11 | |
| Minnesota | 10 | |
| Missouri | 33 | |
| Montana | 2 | |
| Nebraska | 7 | |
| New Hampshire | 56 | |
| New Jersey | 21 | |
| New York | 16 | |
| North Carolina | 143 | |
| North Dakota | 108 | |
| Ohio | 33 | |
| Oklahoma | 1 | |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | |
| South Carolina | 27 | |
| South Dakota | 48 | |
| Tennessee | 8 | |
| Vermont | 3 | |
| Virginia | 4 | |
| Wisconsin | 11 |
Precautions for Avian Flu
- Though the 2022 outbreak is not highly observed in songbirds it is a good idea to take feeders down. Given the summer months, there is plenty of natural food available for all songbird species.
- If you regularly put out food and interact with backyard chickens, fowl, or wild birds, it is important to use gloves, wash your hands thoroughly, and you may want to wear a mask during close encounters.
- House sparrows in particular love chicken grain (cracked corn). And can become possible carriers of this virus. Do everything you can to discourage house sparrows in your yard or around your chickens, fowl and wild birds.
Symptoms of Avian Flu in Wild Birds
- Lethargy
- Lack of coordination
- Swollen areas of the body
- Areas of discoloration on the body.
Note: the Avian Flu outbreak has not been highly observed in songbirds. However, it is being seen among birds of prey, especially those dwelling near water. It is also being highly observed in wild fowl.
Can Avian Flu Infect Humans?
It is possible for people to become infected with the 2022 case of Avian flu. However, according to the CDC, this is quite rare.
In any case, if you’re handling poultry or water fowl or regularly feed or manage wild birds, it is a good idea to be cautious.
How To Cite This:
Martin, K. (2022, April 21). 2022 Avian Flu Wild Bird Species Infection Count. Nest Hollow. Retrieved from www.nesthollow.com/avian-flu-wild-bird-species-infection-count
Sharable/Printable Table of Avian Flu Cases by Wild Bird Species
Sharable/Printable Table of Wild Bird Avian Flu Cases By State
References used in this article:
