Bird flu is hitting Texas, and especially in the Houston area. According to a release from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in multiple locations, with the most recent detections found in Wharton, Galveston, and Harris counties.
Disease experts indicate that HPAI is circulating among wild birds in Texas as waterbirds and waterfowl are on their wintering grounds.
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that transmits easily among wild and domestic birds. It has been detected in all states across the U.S. The virus can spread directly between animals and indirectly through environmental contamination. It can also be passed from person to person.
When birds contract it, the symptoms include lethargy, circling, lack of coordination, tremors, seizures, twisted neck, swelling of head or eyelids, nasal discharge, cough, sneezing, and diarrhea.
On December 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first severe case of bird flu in a human. The patient lives in southwestern Louisiana and is currently hospitalized, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.
Although some experts such as veterinarian Dr. Crystal Heath have raised concerns about the potential danger, but the spread to other species is finally ringing some bells.
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently declared a state of emergency following an outbreak among dairy cows in Southern California, and two cats died from the virus after drinking raw milk. (A reminder not to give your cats raw cow's milk.)
Because of the ease of transmission, Texas Parks and Wildlife is recommending that wildlife rehabilitators remain cautious when intaking wild animals with clinical signs consistent with HPAI. They also advise quarantining animals to limit the potential for HPAI exposure to other animals within the facility.
The public should limit all contact with wild birds.
Bird feeders and water sources should be cleaned at least every two weeks with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. Change water in birdbaths every few days and regularly remove wet feed and seed from feed and water sources.
Hunters should consider precautions such as:
- Disposing carcasses properly
- Wearing gloves when processing
- Avoiding consumption or processing of any sick bird
- Cleaning and disinfecting tools between carcasses
- Cooking meat to proper temperatures
Currently, the transmission risk of avian influenza from infected birds to people remains low, but the public should take basic protective measures if contact with wild animals cannot be avoided. The public and health care professionals can find more information about HPAI in humans from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
If you had contact with an HPAI-positive animal and develop signs of illness, immediately contact your health care provider and let them know about the exposure.
