KINGSTON, R.I. – Jan. 28, 2025 – With the advent of cases of avian flu in southern New England, and the rise in egg prices due to limited supply as a result, concerns are rising about the threat and impact of the fowl-borne illness. Highly pathogenic avian influenza made its way into North America, first detected in Newfoundland, Canada, in late 2021, then spread rapidly across the continent. Global spread has continued while the virus has maintained presence in wild migratory birds.

Johanna Harvey, a noted wildlife disease ecologist and assistant professor in the University of Rhode Island’s department of Natural Resources Science can offer expert perspective. An evolutionary ecologist with a focus on immunogenetics, conservation and management science, Harvey was a Gerstner Scholar Fellow at the American Museum of Natural History, and comes to URI from the U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center and the University of Maryland. Her research focuses on emergent diseases such as avian influenza and pathogens including avian malaria parasites and vampire flies.

At URI, she is bringing a focus on immunology and the role of wildlife disease in bird populations. The immunological and pathogenic response mechanisms of the current H5N1 circulating avian influenza are not understood for diverse wild bird and mammal species currently being impacted, she says. Harvey’s research seeks to provide research and solutions to inform disease management and improve conservation and species management for sensitive species. 

“I am motivated by my desire to understand the impacts of disease and pressures on wildlife caused by environmental change,” she says. 

Harvey discussed the risks of avian disease in an interview.

Your research has focused on highly pathogenic avian influenza — what does “highly pathogenic” mean?

The term highly pathogenic refers to influenza viruses which have the potential to cause severe disease or result in death in chickens. This term is rooted historically in the spillover of low pathogenic viruses that commonly occur in wild birds spilling over to poultry where they mutate or reassort to produce a highly pathogenic virus that causes high mortality. 

What does it mean for the flu’s appearance in southern New England and how can residents protect themselves?

What we are seeing now is likely an upswing as the individuals initially infected and surviving may have reduced antibodies and we have new cohorts, young generations of birds, not yet exposed or having antibodies. Outbreak detection has captured the wild bird mortality event in Plymouth, Massachusetts earlier this month and now the outbreak in southern Washington County in a non-commercial flock. We are seeing signs of increasing virus prevalence in the landscape.

The general public can protect themselves through awareness. Do not handle sick or dead birds or poultry, and don’t touch or consume raw milk products. 

Those at higher risk to exposure include people who work with birds, poultry, and cows. Those with prolonged exposure through occupational risk need to take extra precautions through the use of personal protective equipment. The general public is not generally exposed. 

Outside of the headlines, are there other bird diseases people should be aware of or concerned about?

There are a number of threats to wild birds. Other diseases that impact bird populations include avian botulism, cholera, and malaria, and West Nile virus. Many of these diseases are exacerbated by habitat loss, poor habits, poor water quality, and climate change. 

Birds are also impacted by toxicants, from oil spills to exposures to mercury, PFAS, and rodenticides. There are many threats for wild birds that humans have the ability to reduce. 

This all really emphasizes why the public should not handle dead birds; they should be reported to your local wildlife agency for follow-up. 

How does the flu impact local birds, egg prices and local poultry owners?

Egg prices are continuing to increase. Although it’s not my area of expertise, poultry producers have been heavily impacted nationally. There is less supply and now, because of this continued threat, it is a more volatile market. That and continued price increases on feed, etc., all impact egg prices and availability. 

Is bird flu something that could lead to another pandemic? What is the impact on public health? 

This has not yet occurred, but there is potential that it could occur. The virus requires additional adaptations to be transmissible by humans to humans. As we see continued, increasing viral diversity, this provides more opportunity for this to happen. We need to address mitigation strategies to help lessen these opportunities. 

Should people stop eating eggs?

No, people should not stop eating eggs. Cooked eggs are safe to eat with proper hygiene when handling raw eggs, washing hands, utensils and surfaces. 

How does death from bird flu happen and how can it be prevented? 

The single U.S. mortality from HPAI of the current outbreak was an older individual with existing health conditions. Existing health conditions can result in a weakened immune system and higher susceptibility. The individual is reported to have had contact with backyard poultry and wild birds and thus likely handled sick or dead birds. Education is very important in this regard. Many people have backyard poultry and if these birds come in contact with wild birds, through droppings or shared water or environmental overlap, there is potential for transmission. 

Has this development impacted your own habits in any way or is there anything you’d recommend to the public on the topic?

When avian influenza is present or suspected to be present, it requires that I and those that I work with take the proper precautions such as use of personal protective equipment. 

Broadly, awareness is important. I stay on top of my yearly flu shot as this is recommended and can prime your immune system to respond to influenza viruses broadly. Education and awareness about healthy ecosystems are essential. 

To speak to Dr. Harvey about avian flu, please contact Johanna Harvey (j_harvey@uri.edu) or the URI Department of Communications.