Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) Information Exchange 2026

This international panel discussion on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Wildlife Care was recorded on August 5, 2026.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has recently been detected in southern Australia, which means that this illness has been detected on every continent worldwide. While rehabbers in many areas of the world have had to adapt to manage the threat of HPAI for years now, others are just beginning to consider their best next steps.

This Information Sharing Session features an international panel including rehabilitators from regions already impacted by the illness and HPAI researchers. The panel will explore how rehabilitators have changed their protocols, facilities, and approach in response to HPAI – what worked, what didn’t, and the most important lessons learned from the experience. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another and explore a variety of approaches to a complex problem.

Our Panelists were Ada Liang of Taiwan Wildlife Rescue & Research Center, Dr. Colin Salter of WIRES, Dr. Dana Franzen-Klein of The Raptor Center, Dr. Emily Whitmer of The Marine Mammal Center, Jack Aronian of the H5N1 Prevention Center Hub, Dr. Jeanne Fair of the Global Conservation Institute, Dr. Karra Pierce of Wildlife Center of Virginia, Emily Meredith and Dr. Nicki Rosenhagen of PAWS Wildlfie Center, Dr. Mirella D’Elia of Aiuka Environmental Solutions Consulting, Dr. Simone Vitali of Wildlife Health Australia, and Dr. Wendy Puryear of Tufts University. The discussion was moderated by International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council Membership Coordinator and Wildlife Rehabilitation Subject Matter Expert Stephanie Herman.