Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Caused Mass Death among Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) in Norway, 2023

Abstract

In 2023, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) heavily affected gulls in Europe. In July, a mass mortality event was reported in the Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) breeding colony at Ekkeroy in Northern Norway. The cause was confirmed to be infection with the HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus, genotype EA-2022-BB. We describe the outbreak in Kittiwakes, including pathological and virological investigations, and discuss the management and zoonotic potential. With more than 15,000 dead birds reported, we estimate that the outbreak caused a reduction in the Kittiwake population at Ekkeroy of at least 50%. Diseased birds exhibited neurological signs. Necropsy of ten birds revealed a peracute fatal systemic disease, with severe lesions in the brain and pancreas co-localizing with the presence of viral RNA and antigen. Vascular expression of 2,3-linked sialic acids and viral RNA/antigen may reflect hematogenous virus spread. Further studies should investigate the long-term impact of HPAI on Kittiwake populations.