A recent study published in the Journal of Virology, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology, found that a small number of wild birds in New York City are carrying highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. This research emphasizes that the potential for zoonotic infections or pandemics is not only limited to rural areas and commercial poultry operations, but also extends to urban centers where animals and humans interact.This is the first large-scale avian influenza study in a U.S. urban area and the first to actively involve the community,” explained Christine Marizzi, co-author of the study and principal investigator of the New York City Virus Hunters (NYCVH) Program, as well as the director of community science at BioBus in Harlem, New York City. “Birds play a crucial role in identifying the influenza and other avian viruses present in the New York City area, as well as understanding which ones may pose a threat to both other birds and humans. We need more people keeping an eye on things on the ground — that’s why community involvement is extremely important.”
The RAM program monitors wild birds and is a collaboration between BioBus, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and the Wild Bird Fund. Local high school students participate in the program as paid interns, working under expert guidance in research and communication. The students collect bird fecal samples in urban parks and green spaces, wearing appropriate protective gear. Additionally, local animal rehabilitation centers such as the Wild Bird Fund and Animal Care Centers of New York submit samples from wild urban birds to the study. The students also assist in screening all samples in the Krammer laboratory at the Icahn School of Medicine.The NYCVH conducted a study at Mount Sinai to detect viruses. They collected and examined 1927 samples from January 2022 to November 2023 and identified the H5N1 virus in 6 city birds representing 4 different species. All positive samples were found in urban wildlife rehabilitation centers, underscoring the important role of these centers in viral surveillance. The researchers compared the genetic makeup of the samples to each other and other available H5N1 viruses in a public database and discovered that they were slightly different and belonged to 2 different genotypes, both of which are a combination of Eurasian H5N1 2.3.4.4.b clade viruses.The city is a popular rest stop for migrating wild birds. “Finding H5N1 in city birds does not mean a human influenza pandemic is starting. H5N1 has been in New York City for about 2 years and there have been no human cases reported,” Marizzi said. They are spreading awareness about H5N1 in city birds and providing information on how to protect themselves. “It’s smart to stay alert and stay away from wildlife.”Marizzi advised to keep pets away from wildlife to prevent close contact. If it’s necessary to handle wildlife, always use safe practices when dealing with sick or injured animals.
