Avian Influenza Information

Bird Health

Feb 8

Sick Birds

Wild birds can and do get sick. Most bird diseases are specific to birds and cannot be transmitted to humans. The chance of anyone becoming ill from handling a wild bird is remote.

Birds do not get rabies! It is still a good idea to wear thick gloves when handling raptors. Their beaks and talons are very powerful.

After handling any wild bird you should wash your hands thoroughly. If your skin has been punctured by a bird’s beak or talons, check with your doctor about preventing infection.

Avian influenza

Avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds. It can occur in wild birds as well as domestic poultry, such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys. Avian influenza viruses are divided into different subtypes based on their surface proteins, namely hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). Some strains of avian influenza can cause severe illness and death in birds, while others may not cause any noticeable symptoms.

While avian influenza primarily affects birds, certain strains have the potential to infect humans and other animals. In humans, infection with avian influenza viruses can range from mild symptoms, such as fever and cough, to severe respiratory illness and even death in some cases. Human infections usually occur through direct contact with infected birds or their droppings, or through close contact with infected individuals.

Avian influenza is closely monitored by health authorities worldwide due to its potential to cause outbreaks in poultry populations and its potential to evolve into strains that can be transmitted more easily between humans, leading to pandemics. Vaccines are available for certain strains of avian influenza in poultry, and strict biosecurity measures are implemented to prevent the spread of the virus in poultry farms and to reduce the risk of human infection.