UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A highly transmissible and potentially fatal strain of the avian flu has been detected in Pennsylvania for the second year in a row, and Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center is taking steps to protect the center’s resident birds from exposure. 

The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was first identified in migrating waterfowl last year. So far in 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed at least five affected commercial and non-commercial flocks in Lancaster and Allegheny counties and more than 55,000 affected birds as of Feb. 17. 

Raptors, vultures and corvids — including the species that live at the Klingsberg Aviary at Shaver’s Creek— are at high risk of mortality. Songbirds don’t seem to be affected, and the virus presents a low risk to humans. 

"HPAI is generally tied to waterfowl migration and rising environmental temperatures," said Paige Sutherland, program director for wildlife education at Shaver’s Creek. 

The wildlife education staff will mirror last year's actions with the following safety measures: 

• Disinfectant shoe baths at entrances to the aviary and elsewhere 

• Disinfectant station in the aviary prep space and disinfection of all tools prior to and following use with animals or in animal spaces 

• Signage at aviary entrance to raise awareness 

Many of these measures are already in place or will be phased back in over the coming weeks, noted Sutherland. 

Resident wildlife did not come in contact with HPAI last year, and the strain was not detected in counties surrounding the center, Sutherland said. 

“The biggest threats to our resident avian ambassadors are foot traffic through the aviary and transference to the wildlife or to the staff and to the wildlife,” she said.  

“We will continuously monitor the virus's evolution and increase biosecurity as needed. Should the virus occur in Huntingdon, Centre, Blair, or Mifflin Counties, we will pause all entrance to the aviary apart from required staff only.” 

To assist with the prevention of further outbreaks, the public can avoid contact with and report any sick, injured or deceased avian wildlife to the closest Pennsylvania Game Commission regional office.