Impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) on Black-headed Gulls population in Poland in 2023.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) A(H5N1) has caused the most extensive and severe epizootic event affecting both poultry and wild birds globally. This study investigated the impact of HPAIV on the breeding population of the Black-headed Gull , the most abundant gull species in Poland. During the 2023 outbreak, this species was reported as the most frequently infected in the country.