As the number of avian flu cases across the United States continues to soar, local agencies are warning people to stay away from wild birds that appear to be sick and to keep their pets away from wild birds and their cats indoors.
“Cats are especially susceptible to avian flu, and if it is at all an option, we encourage people to keep their cats indoors for their safety,” said Molly Craig, director of animal pathways for Anderson Humane.
The CDC reported Monday that more than 130.6 million “highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses have been detected in U.S. wild aquatic birds, commercial poultry and backyard or hobbyist flocks beginning in January 2022,” according to USDA data.
The number has been steadly growing, increasing by more than 1.7 million from the previous week.
Infected birds have been found in all 50 states, and so far there have been 66 cases in which humans have contracted the illness and one person has died, according to the CDC.
In Illinois as of Monday, there have been 132 reported cases in 22 counties during the current outbreak, public information officer Brandon Damm said
“Species reported with morbidity/mortality have been all Canada geese, except for one feral rock pigeon in Kane County,” Damm said.
“The public is discouraged (from exposing) themselves to sick and dead birds at this time, or (taking) sick and dying birds to rehabbers, veterinarians or wildlife refuges,” he said.
Craig said they’re adhering to state recommendation.
“At Anderson Humane, any new intakes of high risk birds (waterfowl, raptors and scavengers) are being taken with extreme caution and will be quarantined and monitored for symptoms,” she said.
The nonprofit last month relocated its wildlife center from South Elgin to the Elburn Forest Preserve. Staff members there are using personal protective equipment when handling birds, also per IDNR recommendation, Craig said.
“We cannot accept any animal that has come from a large mortality event, where five or more birds die at a single location. Any such event should be reported directly to the IDNR,” Craig said.
“We have not received any information specific to avian flu reported in Kane County or the Elgin area, but we are watching for additional information and we are prepared to alter our intake practices as the situation evolves.”
Every year, Anderson Humane cares for more than 3,000 wild animals, Craig said. In the interest of public safety, the organization is taking additional measures to ensure people know of its current intake protocols and to warn the public of the potential risks given the current avian flu outbreak, she said.
They strongly recommend that anyone who comes across a sick or injured bird in the wild that appears in need of assistance call them directly at 847-697-2880, Ext. 25.
The IDNR release has issued the following recommendations:
Do not send dying or dead birds to veterinarians, wildlife refuges or any similar business or agency for testing. Notify the local health department or alert IDNR wildlife biologists in cases in which five or more deceased birds are found in one location.
If exposed to dead or dying birds that have avian flu and symptoms — fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, body aches, headaches, eye redness, vomiting or diarrhea — develop, antiviral medications are available. Notify the local health department immediately and let any health care facility know of your exposure. Treatment must be started within two days of illness for it to be most effective.
The first human death from avian flu death was reported Monday. The victim was a 65-year-old Louisiana resident who had been hospitalized with severe respiratory symptoms and had underlying medical problems, according to an Associated Press report. The man had been in contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock.
“While avian influenza generally poses a low risk to the population, it is essential to take the necessary steps to avoid exposure and to seek treatment quickly if you are exposed,” IDPH Director Sameer Vohra said in a news release.
“We encourage all Illinoisans to follow the advice of the experts at IDNR in order to avoid contact with sick birds, and to take any potential exposure seriously. These common-sense steps can help reduce the likelihood of spreading this illness.”
Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
