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Avian Flu Outbreak

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT WE ARE EXPERIENCING AN OUTBREAK OF AVIAN FLU IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY. IF YOU FIND A DEAD BIRD, DO NOT HANDLE IT OR MOVE IT BECAUSE THAT COULD SPREAD THE DISEASE TO DOMESTIC AND OTHER BIRDS. See the notice from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife below:

 

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO ALL CALFORNIA WATERFOWL HUNTERS:
The Eurasian strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 continues to impact wild and domestic birds across California. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) would like to share information on how to report dead wild birds and provide steps to help reduce the spread of infection.
WHERE TO REPORT SICK AND DEAD BIRDS:
Sightings of sick and dead wild birds can be reported to CDFW’s online mortality reporting system. While it is not possible to test every wild bird for HPAI, all mortality reports are important and help disease specialists monitor the outbreak. For guidance on sick or injured live wild birds, please contact your nearest wildlife rehabilitation center prior to collecting the animal. Be advised some wildlife rehabilitation centers may have restrictions on wildlife species they will admit.
CLICK HERE TO REPORT  >

STEPS TO HELP REDUCE DISEASE SPREAD:

  • Prevent contact between domestic birds and wild birds, especially waterfowl.
  • Exclude wild birds from accessing chicken or other domestic bird feed and water.
  • Do not bring potentially sick wild birds home or move sick birds to another location.
  • If recreating outdoors in areas with large concentrations of waterfowl and other waterbirds, wash clothing and disinfect footwear and equipment before traveling to other areas or interacting with domestic birds.
  • Where it can be done so safely, consider disposing of dead birds to help reduce exposure to new birds and minimize scavenging by birds and mammals that also may be susceptible to infection.

The Centers for Disease Control considers the transmission risk of avian influenza to people to be low, but as a general precaution recommends limiting contact with wild birds and sick or dead poultry. If there is a need to dispose of a dead bird, wear impermeable gloves or a plastic bag turned inside-out to collect the remains into a plastic garbage bag, which may then be placed in the regular trash collection. Afterward, wash hands with soap and water and change clothing before having contact with domestic poultry or pet birds. If assistance or guidance is needed with the disposal of dead birds on private property, contact your county environmental health department or animal services for options available in your area.

More information on the HPAI H5N1 outbreak and links to additional resources may be found on the CDFW HPAI web page and in the 9/02/2022 news release. Specific guidance for waterfowl hunters is outlined in the 9/30/2022 news release. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains the official list of HPAI H5N1 detections on its website. For guidance on keeping domestic birds healthy, please visit the CDFA and USDA websites.

For more information, call CDFW’s Wildlife Health Laboratory at (916) 358-2790.

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