Viral shedding of clade 2.3.4.4 H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza A viruses by American robins

American robins ( Turdus migratorius ) are commonly associated with farmsteads in the United States and have shown previous evidence of exposure to an H5 avian influenza A virus ( IAV ) near a poultry production facility affected by a highly pathogenic ( HP ) H5 virus in Iowa, USA during 2015. We experimentally infected American robins with three clade 2.3.4.4 HP H5 viruses (H5N2 and H5N8). A total of 22/24 American robins shed virus, and all three strains were represented. The highest virus titres shed were 10 4.3 , 10 4.3 and 10 4.8 PFU / ml , associated respectively with viruses isolated from poultry, a captive gyrfalcon ( Falco rusticolus ), and a Northern pintail ( Anas acuta ). Of those birds that shed, viral shedding was initiated 1 or 2 days post‐infection ( DPI ) and shedding ceased in all birds by 7 DPI . This study adds an additional synanthropic wildlife species to a growing list of animals that can successfully replicate and shed IAV s.