Two Maine Bald Eagles Test Positive For Avian Flu: Report

ACROSS MAINE — Two American bald eagles in Maine have tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, according to multiple news outlets citing the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The cases were found in Lincoln and York counties, WMTW reported. Both cases were detected April 6.

At least 25 bald eagles across the United States have tested positive for the virus this year, according to WMTW.

Scientists believe this strain of the bird flu was brought to the United States by migratory birds a few months ago, according to a National Public Radio report. Since then, more than 40 wild bird species in more than 30 states have tested positive.

"It's somewhat surprising how widespread it is already in North America," says Jonathan Runstadler, an influenza researcher at Tufts University, told NPR. "It's clearly able to persist and transmit from year to year in parts of Asia, Europe, Africa, and I don't think we should be surprised if that's going to be the case here."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus occurs mainly in birds and is highly contagious among them. It is especially deadly for poultry.

Human risk, however, remains low, according to the CDC. Since its widespread re-emergence in 2003, only rare, sporadic human infections have been reported in Asia, and later in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

To report sick birds or usual bird deaths, contact the state veterinarian's office at 207-287-7615 or the USDA at 1-866-536-7593.