Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Avian influenza, or “bird flu” as it is commonly called, is a naturally-occurring disease in wild waterfowl caused by various strains of avian-type influenza. In Kansas, most cases of avian influenza are seen during annual bird migrations in November and December.
There are more than 150 strains of avian influenza virus which are designated as either Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) depending on that particular viral strain's impact on bird survival. Some species of wild birds, such as mallards, can carry the highly pathogenic strains of influenza without becoming ill. Other species, such as swans and domestic poultry, are sensitive to the virus and are more likely to sicken and die.
What are the signs of avian influenza?
Lethargy, loss of a fear of people, circling, staggering, nasal discharge, respiratory distress, fever, seizure, and sudden death are all potential signs of avian influenza in birds and mammals.
How is avian influenza detected in wild birds?
There are multiple methods to detect avian influenza in wild birds. One method is to take samples from apparently healthy living or hunter-killed birds. The sampling procedure involves quick and simple swabs of the throat and cloaca. Live birds are sometimes captured for this purpose, swabbed, and then released.
Another method of detection is through surveillance of waterfowl areas for suspicious deaths in sensitive species. When mortalities occur that are not due to common diseases, injury, or natural death, some of the carcasses may be submitted for laboratory testing to determine the exact cause of death.
How does avian influenza spread?
Migratory waterfowl often carry the virus and transmit it other wild birds during their long seasonal migrations across the continent. Fall migration of wild birds in November and December
Avian influenza can spread between birds through direct contact or environmental exposure. Infected birds shed flu virus in their saliva, nasal and tracheal secretions, and feces. The virus can then be carried by manure, equipment, vehicles, clothing, shoes, and people who have come in contact with the virus.
It is believed some wild mammals can become sick from avian influenza after feeding on infected waterfowl carcasses.
What is the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks doing about avian influenza?
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks monitors migratory bird populations and die-off from avian influenza. We work to inform the public so they know sure that people know not to handle or eat sick wildlife and take extra precautions to avoid spread to backyard poultry flocks.
What can I do to avoid avian influenza? Can my pets get avian influenza?
The risk of avian influenza to the general public is very low. However, mammals like humans and pets can be vulnerable to the disease and should take some precautions:
- Avoid touching or approaching wildlife. Observe wildlife from a distance. If there is contact with wildlife, do not rub your eyes, eat, drink, or smoke before washing hands with soap and water.
- Do not touch diseased or dead wildlife. If you encounter sick birds, it is best to let nature take it's course. Taking a sick bird to a rehabilitator or zoo spreads the disease and threatens the health of captive birds that may be more vulnerable to avian influenza. Do not take sick wildlife into your automobile, home, or anywhere else humans frequent.
- Keep your pets away from birds that appear sick. Do not let them lick or eat sick or dead waterfowl.
- Do not handle or eat sick gamebirds.
- Handle and cook game with care. Hunters should wear rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling and cleaning game, wash their hands, and thoroughly clean knives, equipment and surfaces that come in contact with game. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling animals. Thoroughly cook all game (well done or 160° F).
How do I report sick or dead birds?
If you encounter sick birds, it is best to keep your distance and let nature take it's course. Do not handle the birds or attempt to transport them.
If you come across 5 or more sick or dead birds, please contact a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks regional office.
Emporia Research and Survey Office
Kansas Health Officials Provide Update on Avian Flu That Public Risk Remains Low
Avian Influenza | Kansas Department of Agriculture
Avian Influenza | Centers for Disease Control
H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation | Centers for Disease Control
Detections of Avian Influenza | U.S. Department of Agriculture