Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza-H5N1: Your questions answered
What is it?
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a rapidly spreading viral disease that can infect many types of birds. It can decimate domestic poultry farms and can also be found in wild birds.
Wild bird species most affected by HPAI:
- Waterfowl like ducks and geese
- Other waterbirds like shorebirds and pelicans
- Raptors like hawks, eagles, and owls
- Scavenging birds like crows
Wild Songbirds are one of the least affected groups.
Why is it increasing in wild birds now?
HPAI rates tend to increase during spring and fall migration of waterfowl. These migration events see large congregations of birds around available food and water resources that can easily become contaminated with the virus. Migration is also a stressful time for waterfowl, making them especially vulnerable to infection.
How is the virus spread and am I or my pets at risk?
The HPAI virus is shed in feces, saliva, nasal discharge, and other bodily fluids. Transmission occurs through ingestion or inhalation of viral particles from an infected individual. Contaminated food or water sources can spread the virus quickly. The virus can remain infectious in the environment for days to months. Although extremely rare, humans and other mammals can be vulnerable to the disease. Symptoms to watch for in pets include fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing, neurologic signs, like tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness. Immediately contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs.
What should I do if I see a sick bird?
Leave them be and let nature take its course. Do not collect or handle dead or sick wild birds. Wildlife rehabilitation facilities have limited resources to treat birds infected by HPAI. Bringing an infected bird to a facility may spread the disease to other injured birds currently in rehab, exacerbating the issue. Reporting is not necessary; wildlife officials are actively monitoring for HPAI. If you find a large number of dead or sick wild birds (>10 in 1 location), report to KDWP’s Kansas City District Office at 913-422-1314. If you must move a dead bird, wear disposable latex or nitrile gloves and an N-95 mask. Make sure to double-bag the dead bird and dispose of it in the household trash.
Should I remove my birdfeeder?
Currently, it is not necessary to remove bird feeders from your yard unless you have poultry flocks—bird feeders primarily service songbirds, which are unlikely to carry the disease. However, bird feeders and baths should always be maintained and regularly cleaned to reduce the spread of disease. To properly clean your feeder or bath, thoroughly clean and wash each structure using 10% bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or isopropyl alcohol.
Amy Keigher, Natural Resources Agent 2024
Resources:
American Veterinary Medical Association: Avian influenza in pets and backyard flocks | American Veterinary Medical Association
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks: Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Information / Migratory Birds / Hunting / KDWP - KDWP
Kansas Department of Agriculture: Avian Influenza | Department of Agriculture
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