Wildlife Health Alert: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

DETECTED CASES OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA IN WILD BIRDS​

​On December 11, 2024, ​The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources ​announced the confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in samples taken from snow geese at Sloughs Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Henderson County. The University of Georgia’s Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study Virology Laboratory confirmed the presence of HPAI after snow geese were found deceased on Dec. 4, 2024.

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WHAT IS HPAI?

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 infl​ue​nza (LPAI) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) based on the severity of the disease they cause.​​​ HPAI is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among bird populations. The virus is spread through contact with infected birds, their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces.

WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL SIGNS OF HPAI?​

Symptoms of HPAI in infected birds include incoordination, droopy wings, lethargy, unwillingness to fly, swimming in circles, and head tremors.

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DOES HPAI AFFECT PEOPLE OR OTHER ANIMALS?​

HPAI can cause severe illness and death in infected birds. It has also been detected in various wild mammal species in multiple states, including Kentucky. Additionally, HPAI has caused outbreaks in commercial and backyard poultry flocks, as well as in dairy cows. While there have been reported cases of HPAI infections in people​, the risk of infection to the public remains low.​

RECOMMENDATIONS

Poultry, pet bird and backyard flock owners are strongly urged to practice good biosecurity by minimizing contact between domestic flocks and wild birds. This includes changing outdoor clothes and shoes before interacting with domestic birds. Any signs of illness or increased mortality in flocks should be reported to a local veterinarian. Additionally, owners can make reports by contacting the Kentucky Department of Agriculture at 502-573-0282 or the USDA at 1-866-536-7593.

Waterfowl hunters should follow routine precautions when handling wild game:​​​

• Do not harvest, handle or consume wild birds that are obviously sick or otherwise found dead.
• Dress harvested waterfowl outside or in a well-ventilated area.
• Wear gloves and wash hands with soap and warm water after handling wild birds and disposing of carcasses. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Disinfect any equipment (knives and surfaces) that touch birds. Use dedicated tools for cleaning game and avoid using them around poultry or pet birds
• Do not eat, drink or smoke when handling or cleaning game.
• Double bag the feathers and other remains. Tie the inner bag, take off your gloves and leave them in the outer bag before tying it closed. Place the bag in the trash and close the lid on the receptacle. Discard in a trash can with a secure lid to prevent scavengers from getting the carcass.
• All game should be thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Do not feed dogs raw or undercooked meat from harvested game.
• Do not allow dogs to scavenge on carcasses or remains of wild birds.​

REPORT SICK OR DEAD WILD BIRDS​

Report sick or dead waterfowl, raptors including hawks and eagles, vultures, or groups of dead birds (5 or more) by reporting observations via the online reporting form.​

MORE INFORMATION​

More information, including printable resources on HPAI, is available on Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's  Avian Influenza webpage.

Date Published: Dec. 12, 2024