All year H5N1 bird flu has been spreading across the world, recently making its way to birds in Arizona, but what does that mean for bird lovers and backyard aviaries?
Arizona is one of approximately 10 states that have had confirmed cases of avian flu that are being monitored by federal, state and local health officials. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus in Arizona or anywhere else and risk to the public is considered low.
However, the virus is often fatal to birds and some other animals. It was recently reported that five animals at the World Wildlife Zoo and Aquarium in Litchfield Park died after being exposed to the virus.
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.
SUBSCRIBE
Other cases reported in Arizona include geese at a park in Scottsdale and two workers at a poultry farm in Pinal County who contracted the virus from birds at the farm but fully recovered. Other cases have been reported at a wastewater plant in Flagstaff and a backyard poultry flock in Maricopa County.
Health officials have been advising people to avoid raw milk where the virus has been found. Raw milk has become a fad among conservatives with right-wing influencers, including Phoenix-based Turning Point USA, boosting debunked misconceptions around the health benefits of raw milk.
Domestic and wild animals are at risk of infection from the virus with backyard flocks being especially susceptible.
Those who feed wild birds in their backyards have been advised in some areas like California to stop feeding the birds all together as a preventative measure to keep them from congregating in large groups that could contribute to further spread of the virus. Animal groups are advising that if you decide to keep feeding wild birds in your backyard to regularly clean the feeders and water.
The National Audubon Society, a group that advocates for the protection of birds, also recommends planting native plants that attract birds and local insects but don’t lead to them congregating in the same way feeders do.
Cats, dogs and dairy cattle can all contract the virus,and humans can become infected after being exposed to an infected animal.
Those with backyard flocks or pet birds should look out for symptoms such as low energy or appetite, purple discoloration or swelling of various body parts, reduced egg production or misshapen eggs, coughing, sneezing and lack of coordination.
People with cats and dogs should look for fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, seizures or sudden blindness. Veterinarians recommend avoiding giving your pet raw milk and making sure they have not eaten a dead bird or any other animal.
In humans, the virus can cause mild to severe upper respiratory symptoms, multi-organ failure and death.
The current strain, called Eurasian H5N1, has proved to be deadly for wild birds, killing bald eagles, great horned owls, Canadian geese, snow geese and other wild birds. The virus has been detected in over 80 wild birds in Arizona, according to the Center for Disease Control.
You can report sick wild birds by calling the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 623-236-7201 and if you need to report a sick domestic bird contact the Arizona Department of Agriculture at 602-542-4293.
YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE.
SUPPORT
Arizona Mirror is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Arizona Mirror maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jim Small for questions: [email protected].
