Avian flu moving through Idaho, kills more than 50 birds at Kuna animal sanctuary

KUNA, Idaho — Avian influenza killed greater than 50 birds at Dominifarm Animal Sanctuary in Kuna after a sick goose contaminated the remainder of the birds.

“The goose appeared fully alright,” Dominifarm Proprietor Dominique Delobbe mentioned.

Dominifarm welcomed within the goose on Monday, Could ninth. Inside 48 hours, 13 birds died from an sickness. Delobbe’s veterinarian contacted the Idaho State Division of Agriculture (ISDA).

ISDA examined the remaining birds, discovering avian flu – generally referred to as the chicken flu – in 5 birds. ISDA euthanized all birds on Dominifarm in response.

“It hit us actually exhausting and actually rapidly. Our birds received sick so quick,” Dominifarm volunteer Sara Meyrovich mentioned. “Loads of these birds have been with us for years, and we have been very shut with them.”

Hen flu is transferring via Idaho, and is very prevalent within the Treasure Valley, Idaho Fish and Sport wrote in a press launch. The virus has no therapy or vaccine and should run its course.

“We’re conscious sick and lifeless birds are being seen by the general public in lots of ponds, irrigation ditches, and many others., particularly within the Treasure Valley, and we have no idea how lengthy this avian influenza outbreak will final,” mentioned Fish and Sport’s Wildlife Well being Program Coordinator Stacey Dauwalter. “Contaminated geese, geese, and different birds will proceed to be discovered till the outbreak has abated.”

Folks ought to depart sick birds alone and wash their palms in the event that they contact any chicken, in keeping with Fish and Sport. It isn’t widespread for individuals to catch the avian flu.

“We’re cleansing all the pieces out. Whether or not an animal was in there or not. All of the straw is popping out. All of the hay is popping out. We’re placing all contemporary hay in. Contemporary blankets in,” Dominifarm volunteer Gail Muzzey mentioned.

After the outbreak, Dominifarm can’t have birds for 150 days. By their very own determination, they’re temporality closed to type out their subsequent steps.

“It is traumatic. It is like when individuals know they must put their canine down. It is very exhausting. When it is so many animals, it is an enormous shock,” Delobbe mentioned.

Fish and Sport encourages the general public to report sick or lifeless wild birds in an effort to watch the avian flu unfold.

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