10/28/2025
Public Guidance Update: Avian Influenza (H5N1) and Recent Black Vulture Deaths
Town of Glade Spring, October 28th 2025
On October 27, 2025, the Town of Glade Spring Town Manager, Shane Barton, spoke with Dr. John Tracey, Wildlife Veterinarian for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), to better understand the recent testing of dead black vultures collected in the Glade Spring area and to provide accurate information to residents.
Key Takeaway: Guidance Has Not Changed
Even with test results indicating the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), the public guidance remains the same:
• Limit exposure and handling of sick or dead birds. If birds are dead on your private property, follow public guidance on handling. If a dead bird must be handled (i.e. on your own property), wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection; then bury it, or double bag the bird and place it in a secured trash container. After disposal, wash your hands, disinfect shoes and clothing.
• If you witness dead birds on public property within town limits please contact the Glade Spring Town Hall at 276.429.5134 to report the location and town staff will pick up the birds while following public guidance on handling.
• At this time the Town of Glade Spring is not picking up dead birds from private property. Private property owners are responsible for following public guidance and for following suggested reporting guidance.
• Take extra biosecurity precautions if you keep domestic or backyard birds.
• Continue to report clusters of dead wild birds so wildlife officials can monitor the outbreak.
Understanding the Virus and Its Spread
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), specifically the H5N1 strain, is confirmed in Virginia and across North America. This strain was first introduced to eastern Canada in 2022 by migrating birds from Eurasia and has since become the dominant variety affecting wild birds across the continent.
Like human influenza, avian flu viruses can vary from year to year. The H5N1 2.3.4.4B subtype continues to circulate among wild bird populations and has been found in numerous counties across Virginia, including Wythe, Smyth, Washington, and others in Virginia.
Waterfowl, especially ducks and geese, serve as natural carriers of avian influenza, often without showing symptoms. Their global migration patterns allow the virus to spread easily. Because of this international movement, HPAI is classified as a foreign animal disease, though scientists are beginning to discuss whether it has become endemic due to its ongoing domestic presence.
Black vultures have been particularly affected since 2022 because of their scavenging behavior, communal roosting, and high susceptibility to the disease. Each new wave of HPAI since 2022 has included black vulture mortality events.
How Testing Works
Testing for HPAI follows a two-step process to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance:
Initial Screening. Conducted by the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS) at the University of Georgia, which serves as the diagnostic lab for Virginia and other southeastern states.
Samples, either swabs or full birds, are tested using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) methods to detect viral antigens.
If a sample shows a potential positive result, it is categorized as “non-negative” pending confirmation.
Federal Confirmation. All “non-negative” results are sent to the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, for official confirmation.
Only after NVSL confirmation can state agencies formally verify HPAI presence.
Birds collected in Wythe County tested positive for H5N1 2.3.4.4B earlier this month, and the Glade Spring samples have shown consistent preliminary results. State biologists are confident the same strain is responsible for the local mortality event.
EDIT/UPDATE - as of Wednesday morning, October 29th the NVSL has confirmed results of specimens tested from Glade Spring are officially positive for Highly Pathogenic Avain Flu. To find a full listing of confirmed results please visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds
Human and Domestic Animal Risk
Current evidence indicates very low risk to humans. Transmission to people is very rare and typically limited to individuals with close, unprotected contact with infected poultry or livestock. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
While birds, pigs, and humans are considered the primary carriers of influenza viruses, isolated cases of infection in other animals—such as dairy cows and cats that have consumed unpasteurized milk have been documented.
For domestic poultry owners, maintaining strict biosecurity remains essential:
• Limit wild bird access to your flocks.
• Disinfect footwear, tools, and vehicles.
• Avoid sharing equipment with other poultry owners.
• Temporarily remove outdoor bird feeders to reduce wild bird congregation near domestic flocks.
Public Reporting and Response
Although testing may no longer be conducted in areas already confirmed as affected, DWR continues to ask the public to report unusual bird deaths to help track geographic spread and species involvement.
Report sightings to the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003 or wildlifehealth@dwr.virginia.gov if you observe:
• Five or more dead vultures, waterfowl, shorebirds, or seabirds in one area within five days;
• Sick or dead eagles, hawks, owls, or turkeys (not including roadkill);
• Ten or more dead wild birds of other species in one area within five days.
For domestic poultry, contact the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) at 1-804-692-0601 or vastatevet@vdacs.virginia.gov, or USDA at 1-866-536-7593 to report unusual illness or death.
What’s Next
• The preliminary testing of Glade Spring birds suggests infection with H5N1 2.3.4.4B.
• NVSL confirmation is pending but expected to align with prior regional results.
• Local, state, and federal partners will continue to monitor the situation and communicate updates as warranted.
• The Town of Glade Spring will continue to remove reported dead birds from public property.
• Dead birds on private property should be addressed by the private property owners following public guidance on handling such birds.
Official Resources
For accurate, up-to-date information, please refer to:
• VDACS: Avian Influenza Guidance
• DWR: Avian Influenza in Wildlife
• VDH: Avian Flu Information
• USDA APHIS Wild Bird Detections: HPAI Detections Map
In Summary
Residents should remain aware but not alarmed. The presence of H5N1 in wild bird populations is being closely monitored, and no new precautions are required beyond those already recommended by state and federal agencies. By following existing guidance, reporting bird deaths, and maintaining biosecurity, our community can help protect public health, poultry, and other wildlife.
