Highly pathogenic avian influenza causes mass mortality in Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis breeding colonies across north-western Europe
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Published:2024
Issue:
Volume:34
Page:
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ISSN:0959-2709
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Container-title:Bird Conservation International
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Bird Conservation International
Author:
Knief UlrichORCID, Bregnballe ThomasORCID, Alfarwi Ibrahim, Ballmann Mónika Z.ORCID, Brenninkmeijer Allix, Bzoma Szymon, Chabrolle Antoine, Dimmlich Jannis, Engel Elias, Fijn RubenORCID, Fischer Kim, Hälterlein Bernd, Haupt Matthias, Hennig Veit, Herrmann Christof, in ‘t Veld Ronald, Kirchhoff Elisabeth, Kristersson Mikael, Kühn SusanneORCID, Larsson KjellORCID, Larsson Rolf, Lawton Neil, Leopold MardikORCID, Lilipaly Sander, Lock Leigh, Marty Régis, Matheve HansORCID, Meissner WłodzimierzORCID, Morrison Paul, Newton StephenORCID, Olofsson Patrik, Packmor FlorianORCID, Pedersen Kjeld T., Redfern ChrisORCID, Scarton FrancescoORCID, Schenk Fred, Scher OlivierORCID, Serra LorenzoORCID, Sibille Alexandre, Smith Julian, Smith Wez, Sterup Jacob, Stienen EricORCID, Strassner Viola, Valle Roberto G.ORCID, van Bemmelen Rob S. A.ORCID, Veen Jan, Vervaeke MurielORCID, Weston Ewan, Wojcieszek Monika, Courtens WouterORCID
Abstract
Summary
In 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus clade 2.3.4.4b became enzootic and caused mass mortality in Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis and other seabird species across north-western Europe. We present data on the characteristics of the spread of the virus between and within breeding colonies and the number of dead adult Sandwich Terns recorded at breeding sites throughout north-western Europe. Within two months of the first reported mortalities, 20,531 adult Sandwich Terns were found dead, which is >17% of the total north-western European breeding population. This is probably an under-representation of total mortality, as many carcasses are likely to have gone unnoticed and unreported. Within affected colonies, almost all chicks died. After the peak of the outbreak, in a colony established by late breeders, 25.7% of tested adults showed immunity to HPAI subtype H5. Removal of carcasses was associated with lower levels of mortality at affected colonies. More research on the sources and modes of transmission, incubation times, effective containment, and immunity is urgently needed to combat this major threat for colonial seabirds.
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Subject
Nature and Landscape Conservation,Animal Science and Zoology,Ecology
Reference78 articles.
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