The UT Veterinary Medical Center continues to see owned birds but has implemented precautions to protect our patients and personnel from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Out of an abundance of caution, in January 2025, we made the difficult decision to stop accepting or treating injured or abandoned wild birds, including raptors, songbirds, or waterfowl (including owned waterfowl). HPAI can also infect mammals, particularly cats, including domestic and big cats.

In early June, we made an exception for raptors, including eagles, if they had tested negative for HPAI. We have not refused care for any raptors that met the criteria.