Junior Scientist interns collected 3100+ samples and screened them for the presence of avian influenza (AIV) and avian paramyxovirus (APMV-1). Swab and fecal samples were collected from NYC’s parks and natural areas during sampling events. Additional samples were submitted by our collaborators the Wild Bird Fund and Animal Care Centers of Manhattan.

New York City Virus Hunters identified eight birds that were positive for avian paramyxovirus by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), indicating high unknown diversity of APMV-1 in urban wild birds. Two live APMV-1 viruses were isolated from common pigeons, named, reported to the USDA, and whole genome sequences were published at the online data repository GenBank. The research article with students as co-authors, published by the American Society for Microbiology journal Microbiology Spectrum.

Since January 2022, the Virus Hunters specifically screened 1800+ samples from raptors, poultry and waterfowl for H5N1, the Eurasian H5 strain of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as bird flu. We detected H5N1 in six New York City  birds, representing four different species. We reported to the USDA, published a peer-reviewed paper in Journal of Virology, and deposited whole genome sequences online at GenBank and GISAID to make our data available to researchers worldwide.

 

Outreach

Outreach activities raise awareness about influenza and the One Health Initiative and communicate findings from the Virus Hunters to the general public. These range from a live YouTube event while the most significant COVID precautions were in place to in-person symposia and conference presentations. The Virus Hunters reached hundreds of science professionals, educators, other students, and community members of all ages, backgrounds, and science knowledge.

 

At the first New York City Virus Hunters student research symposium in June 2022, more than 70 scientists and community members learned about this exciting community scientist initiative. In addition, more than 20 posters in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Turkish, German and even Scottish, showcased the latest research performed at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai’s Florian Krammer and Viviana Simon labs. One of the highlights was a panel discussion featuring the Junior Scientist interns moderated by The New York Times health reporter and science writer Apoorva Mandavilli.

 

 

The second New York City Virus Hunters student research symposium in June 2023  attracted more than 100 attendees. Guest speakers Dr. Monica Trujillo of Queensborough Community College and Dr. Saravanan Thangamani of SUNY Upstate Medical University presented the latest on wastewater surveillance in NYC and virus surveillance in ticks in New York. The  New York City Virus Hunters gave the keynote address, followed by a moderated discussion led by NY1/Spectrum News reporter Erin Billups.

 

 

The third New York City Virus Hunters student research symposium in June 2024 attracted more than 88 attendees. Guest speaker Dr. Seema Ladkadwala of Emory School of Medicine presented her research on airborne viral transmission. The New York City Virus Hunters delivered the keynote address, followed by a moderated discussion led by BioBus’s ESO Dr. Latasha Wright.