Presenters: Katie Haman and Scott Pearson
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/846321439207?aff=oddtdtcreator
Description: The presentation focuses on the ecological and epidemiological aspects of the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among Caspian Terns, Glaucous-winged Gulls (and their hybrids) and Harbor Seals.  This outbreak appeared to spread from tern colonies on the lower Columbia River to several locations in the Puget Sound region with the highest mortality rates observed on Rat Island.  The outbreak resulted in very high mortality rates for adult and chick terns on Rat Island and appeared to have regional flyway level impacts to tern populations. Interestingly, there was little mortality to adult gulls on Rat Island despite high mortality to gull chicks.