A recent study published in the Journal of Virology revealed that a small number of wild birds in New York City carry highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. This finding highlights the potential for zoonotic infections or pandemics to arise not only in rural environments and commercial poultry operations but also in urban centers. The study, believed to be the first large-scale U.S. investigation of avian influenza in an urban area, was conducted by the New York City Virus Hunters (NYCVH) Program, led by Christine Marizzi, PhD, in collaboration with BioBus, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and the Wild Bird Fund.
The NYCVH program involves local high school students as paid interns who collect bird fecal samples in urban parks and green spaces under expert mentorship. In addition to collecting samples, the program also receives submissions from local animal rehabilitation centers such as the Wild Bird Fund and Animal Care Centers of New York. These samples are then screened for viruses at the Krammer laboratory at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The study, conducted between January 2022 and November 2023, analyzed 1927 samples and identified the H5N1 virus in 6 city birds representing 4 different species, all of which were from urban wildlife rehabilitation centers.
The genetic analysis of the samples revealed that the H5N1 viruses belonged to 2 different genotypes, both of which are a mix of Eurasian H5N1 2.3.4.4.b clade virus and local North American avian influenza viruses. New York City’s role as a popular stopover location for migrating wild birds may contribute to the presence of these viruses in the area. While the detection of H5N1 in city birds is concerning, Marizzi emphasized that it does not signal the start of a human influenza pandemic. She also highlighted the importance of staying alert and avoiding contact with wildlife, as well as preventing pets from interacting with wildlife to reduce the risk of transmission.
In their outreach efforts, the NYCVH program aims to raise awareness about H5N1 in city birds and educate the public on measures to protect themselves. This includes using safe practices when handling sick or injured wildlife and avoiding direct contact with birds or other animals. By involving the community in monitoring and surveillance efforts, the program aims to increase awareness of the potential risks associated with avian influenza and create opportunities for early detection and intervention. Overall, the study underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and research efforts to understand and mitigate the threats posed by zoonotic infections in both urban and rural settings.