As avian flu spreads, Oregon wildlife centers cannot accept sick or injured waterfowl

Avian flu circumstances are nonetheless spreading in wild birds within the Willamette Valley. In consequence, wildlife rehabilitation facilities can now not settle for sick or injured birds, significantly waterfowl.

Stephanie Herman with Portland Audubon says bringing in wild birds proper now carries an excessive amount of of a threat for the birds already on the amenities.

Anyone who sees a sick or lifeless wild fowl is requested to not intervene, however as an alternative to report it to the both the native Oregon Division of Fish and Wildlife workplace or the Wildlife Well being Lab.

“Or in the event that they really feel they need to intervene, with waterfowl particularly, they’ll take them to Oregon Division of Fish and Wildlife, moderately than Portland Audubon, the place they’ll no less than be euthanized in order that they’re not struggling,” Herman mentioned.

Persons are additionally requested to not feed wild birds for now. That may encourage wild birds to congregate, thereby probably rising the unfold of the illness.

Avian flu spreads to wild birds in Oregon’s Willamette Valley

Waterfowl sometimes carry the virus, however it will possibly additionally infect infect the birds that prey on or devour sick or lifeless waterfowl.

Whereas avian flu may be very contagious and is lethal for some birds, the chance to people is low in keeping with the CDC.

Study extra from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture on signs, dangers and prevention avian flu.