Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
1h ago

First Whooping Crane Death From HPAI Confirmed in Wisconsin

The loss spotlights disease risk to a tiny population of fewer than 70 eastern migratory birds.

Image
An endangered whooping crane named Ducky was set for release into the wild in Wisconsin and died after contracting highly pathogenic avian influenza. Photo courtesy of Hannah Jones/International Crane Foundation

Overview

  • International Crane Foundation officials confirmed Monday that a female chick named Ducky died on Sept. 18 from highly pathogenic avian influenza after falling ill at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge.
  • The case is the first documented HPAI fatality in a whooping crane, a species with roughly 700 wild birds in North America and fewer than 70 in the eastern migratory flock.
  • Ducky hatched in May, was costume‑reared in Baraboo, and was one of eight cranes slated for an October release at Horicon.
  • The seven remaining cohort mates are showing no symptoms; staff are using protective gear, keeping distance, and planned a meeting today to decide whether to proceed with the release.
  • ICF officials said the infection likely came from wild waterfowl or contaminated water, noting HPAI activity in Wisconsin wildlife and a recent Jefferson County poultry cull, and citing earlier die‑offs of thousands of sandhill cranes in Indiana.