Bird Flu Info.

 What is Bird Flu? 

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1), or “bird flu,” is a respiratory disease of birds caused by influenza A viruses. Wild birds, such as ducks, gulls, and shorebirds, can carry and spread these viruses but may show no signs of illness. However, avian influenza can kill domes􀆟c poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese). Typical clinical signs of H5N1 include diarrhea, discharge from the nose, coughing, sneezing, and incoordina􀆟on, but some birds may show no signs before death. There may be mul􀆟ple sick or dead animals in a single loca􀆟on. 

Avian Influenza con􀆟nues to infect wild birds and mammals across the US. Avian influenza is caused by an influenza type A virus that is carried by free-flying waterfowl, waterbirds, and shorebirds, but can also infect domes􀆟c poultry (chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domes􀆟c ducks, geese, and guinea fowl), raptors, corvids, and mammals. 

Since the beginning of the U.S. outbreak in January 2022, avian influenza has impacted wild and domes􀆟c birds in every state. Occurrences can be monitored here: USDA APHIS | 2022 Detec􀆟ons of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza . 

Bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans however, sporadic human infec􀆟ons with bird flu viruses have occurred. 

How is H5N1 (Bird Flu) spread to humans? Human infec􀆟ons occur when the virus enters a person’s eyes, nose, mouth or is inhaled. The current risk to the general public is low, but may occur. People with close, unprotected contact with birds or animals that are contaminated with HPAI, are at greater risk of infec􀆟on. 

Who is at higher risk of H5N1 (Bird Flu)? People who have occupa􀆟onal (work-related) or recrea􀆟onal (hobby-related) exposure to birds and animal species that may be contaminated with HPAI are at greater risk of infec􀆟on. Some occupa􀆟ons and recrea􀆟onal ac􀆟vi􀆟es that put someone at greater risk include: 

• Bird rehabilita􀆟on workers 

• Bird or animal sanctuary workers 

• Farmworkers (including dairy farms) 

• Professionals who respond to bird flu outbreaks • People who raise flocks of birds • Livestock owners 

• Hunters 

What do I do If I see a dead bird or birds? 

Do not touch sick or dead birds! Keep you pets away from sick or dead birds! 

In most cases, dead birds with H5N1 will be found in mul􀆟ples. Typically, there will be four or more dead birds found in an area, not only 1 dead bird when deaths are due to the bird flu virus. However, it is possible that if one dead bird is found, it may contain the virus. When a dead bird or birds are found – please fill out the wild bird disease repor􀆟ng form to alert the Dept. of Health. 

Wild Bird Disease repor􀆟ng form – to Report Sick or Dead birds NJDEP| Fish & Wildlife | H5N1 - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (click on report here) 

What are Disposal Op􀆟ons for Property Owners? 

While NJ DEP Fish & Wildlife does not advise that the public handle sick or dead wildlife, if you have a dead bird on your property and are elec􀆟ng to dispose of the carcass, precau􀆟ons should be taken: 

• PPE should be worn, including gloves, a mask, and eye protec􀆟on. 

• Avoid direct contact between you and the animal by using a shovel to move the carcass. 

• Double-bag each bird, close the bag using a zip-􀆟e, and place in an outdoor trash bin inaccessible to pets and other wildlife. 

• Following disposal, immediately wash your hands with soap and water and disinfect any non-disposable items using a diluted household bleach solu􀆟on. Allow the disinfectant to sit on the item for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. 

Residents can also contact their local municipality or county to inquire about animal control services or private wildlife control services able to dispose of dead wildlife.