An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is an infectious disease caused by a group of influenza A viruses. These viruses naturally occur in wild waterfowl and shorebirds, but they can infect other wild and domestic bird species, as well as mammals, including humans. The viruses are often classified into two categories: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) based on the severity of the disease they cause.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife asks for reports of wild birds exhibiting the following:
Report Sick or Dead Poultryand Livestock Report any unusual signs of illness or increased mortality in your flock or livestock to a local veterinarian, cooperative extension service, the State Veterinarian, or call the USDA at 1-866-536-7593.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's responsibilities and actions include:
LPAI viruses may cause mild respiratory illness, including coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. LPAI typically presents mild symptoms, and many are asymptomatic (the infected animal doesn't show signs of illness). HPAI viruses can cause respiratory illness, swimming in circles, incoordination, droopy wings, lethargy, unwillingness to fly, and head tremors. HPAI viruses are severe, causing high mortality in chickens, turkeys, and ducks.
While domestic poultry may experience high mortality rates from HPAI infection, symptoms vary among wild birds. Certain species of waterfowl may show no signs of disease, unlike raptors, shorebirds, and scavengers, which have reported high mortality rates, potentially impacting population levels.
Infected birds spread influenza through saliva, mucus, and feces. Domestic birds can be exposed to the virus from contaminated clothing, boots, and equipment, as well as from wild birds or their feces.
Avian flu outbreaks in wild birds are often linked to specific migratory seasons, particularly during autumn and spring when birds are traveling across their migratory flyways. The timing of these migrations can lead to seasonal surges in avian flu cases. Migratory birds, such as waterfowl, travel long distances and can unintentionally carry the virus across regions and continents. As they pass through different habitats, they may introduce the virus to new areas, which can lead to outbreaks. Additionally, interactions between migratory and resident birds during stops along flyways can increase the chances of the virus spreading between species.
Avian influenza is diagnosed through swabs from a sick or dead bird. Whole fresh carcasses may be necropsied by the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Health Program to determine the cause of death and collect additional samples for further testing. Delays in collecting the carcass decrease Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s ability to recover detectable virus due to decomposition.
There is no treatment for avian influenza in wild birds. Only supportive care options are available and birds will often succumb to the disease. There's no readily available treatment for avian influenza in domestic birds. Euthanizing birds and properly disposing of their remains is currently the most effective way to prevent the spread of the disease in domestic flocks.
HPAI is widespread in wild birds throughout the U.S. and has caused outbreaks in commercial and backyard flocks, as well as in dairy cows. Additionally, a variety of wild mammals have been infected with HPAI in areas across the U.S.
According to the CDC, while there have been reported cases of human infections with HPAI in the U.S., the threat of HPAI to public health continues to be low. To date, there are no reported cases of person-to-person transmission of the virus.
While avian influenza viruses typically infect and spread among wild migratory water birds and domestic poultry, there are cases of some avian flu viruses infecting and spreading to other animals. This includes wild mammals that have presumably eaten birds or poultry that may be infected with avian flu, or that have come into contact with the saliva, mucous, and feces of infected birds.
According to the CDC, the risk to human health posed by HPAI is low. Human infections with avian influenza occur if a person inhales the virus or the virus gets into a person's eyes, nose, or mouth. When handled and cooked properly, meat and eggs harvested from wild or domestic birds do not present a food safety risk. Milk that has been pasteurized is safe to consume. Learn more about avian influenza infections in humans.
For questions about HPAI in domestic poultry or livestock, please refer to the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) or the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
The USDA, along with state wildlife and animal health officials across the country, work together to monitor and track avian influenza outbreaks as part of the National Avian Influenza Surveillance Plan.
Surveillance for avian influenza viruses in wild bird populations can provide an early warning to commercial producers and farmers to help prevent domestic exposure. However, biosecurity protocols to protect poultry or livestock from the disease should be enforced year-round, even if there has not been a detection of the disease in wild birds or other wildlife.
While it's not possible to prevent cases of avian influenza in wild birds, there are steps that can be taken to prevent the spread of the disease while safeguarding the health of wildlife, domestic animals, and people.
If you found an injured animal, contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. A licensed rehabilitator can evaluate and treat an animal to release back into a natural habitat. If you have found an injured deer, contact the county's regional biologist.
The risk to human health posed by HPAI continues to be low. Meat from harvested wild birds does not present a food safety risk when handled or cooked properly. Hunters are encouraged to follow routine precautions when handling wild game:
Avoid Sick or Dead Wildlife
Bird watchers and other wildlife enthusiasts can take certain precautions to reduce the risk of spreading HPAI while pursuing their outdoor activities.
When wildlife gathers in areas abundant with food, the risk of disease transmission rises. Animals that would normally be scattered are brought together, making it easier for pathogens (such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites) to spread. Refrain from feeding wildlife to help prevent disease transmission.
Properly Dispose of WasteWhen wildlife gathers where food is abundant, the risk of disease transmission increases. Dispose of waste, including food scraps, in designated bins to avoid attracting and unnaturally clustering birds and other wildlife.
Wildlife rehabilitators play a crucial role in caring for sick or injured wildlife, including wildlife that may potentially carry HPAI. The following are health and safety precautions that wildlife rehabilitators should consider to protect themselves and the animals in their care.
Personal Protective Equipment
For the public, preventing transmission of HPAI involves a combination of personal hygiene practices and awareness of potential sources of infection.
Backyard flock owners and livestock producers can take several precautions to protect their animals from HPAI and minimize the risk of transmission. Visit the following websites for more information:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USGS National Wildlife Health Center
Avian Influenza Fact Sheet DOWNLOAD
Avian Influenza Fact Sheet for Hunters DOWNLOAD
Avian Influenza Prevention Flyer DOWNLOAD
WILDLIFE HEALTH PROGRAM
HOME
REPORT SICK OR DEAD WILDLIFE
REPORT
VIEW