World Bird Sanctuary

A man in a blue shirt wears large yellow mittens and holds a red-shouldered hawk. A person in a blue sweatshirt stands in front of the hawk, holding a piece of meat with tweezers.

Avian flu is killing birds across Missouri - what experts say you need to know

Anna Spidel

An outbreak of H5 avian influenza was confirmed by United States health agencies in mid-2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the public health risk is currently low - but states are still monitoring the progression.

In an exam room, a wall with hooks holds various sizes of falconry hoods - special helmet-like objects made of leather that cover a bird's eyes and help keep them calm. The hoods range in size from an eagle to a kestrel. Next to the hoods, IV bags and stethoscopes hang on the wall. A table beneath the wall is filled with cotton balls, q-tips, and various veterinary supplies.

KBIA News

Wildlife rehabilitators on high alert as birds of prey die from avian influenza

Anna Spidel

Staff at the World Bird Sanctuary in St. Louis are taking extra precautions to protect raptor species from H5 avian influenza. Officials from the Missouri Department of Conservation say rates of the virus are rising among birds of prey.

Environment

Government Programs Aided Bald Eagles in Missouri

Bald eagles in Missouri were taken off the federal endangered species list in 2007.The road to recovery took nearly 30 years. The Missouri Department of…