State officials caution against touching sick or dead wild birds

For speedy launch: June 7, 2022   (22-079)

Contacts:   DOH Communications
                    Staci Lehman, WDFW Communications Supervisor, 509-710-4511

OLYMPIA –– Washington State Division of Well being (DOH) and the Washington Division of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are asking the general public to keep away from contact with wild birds, particularly sick or useless wild birds or their younger. An outbreak of avian influenza, also referred to as hen flu, is impacting wild birds together with Canada geese, snow geese, bald eagles, and different raptors. State officers are asking individuals who encounter sick or useless wild birds to alert WDFW utilizing the company’s reporting software.

Whereas avian influenza infections amongst persons are uncommon, human infections can occur when the virus will get into an individual’s eyes, nostril, or mouth, or is inhaled. Folks could also be at larger threat of hen flu virus an infection throughout shut or prolonged unprotected contact (not sporting respiratory safety or eye safety) with contaminated birds or surfaces contaminated with the mucous, saliva, or feces of contaminated birds.

“Though the danger to individuals is low, bringing a sick hen into your house or a veterinary hospital may unfold an an infection to people and different animals,” stated Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, MD, Washington State Chief Science Officer on the Division of Well being. “Don’t take an opportunity – the most secure factor to do is to keep away from all contact and report the hen to Fish and Wildlife.”

Based on WDFW wildlife veterinarian Katie Haman, “Avian influenza in birds is usually a deadly illness and, sadly, there is not a vaccine or a remedy. Dealing with sick birds or taking them to a veterinarian may unfold the virus to new areas and improve the attain of the virus.”

Avian influenza viruses, such because the H5N1 pressure at present circulating within the U.S., are additionally extraordinarily contagious amongst sure domesticated hen species, and may sicken and kill chickens, pheasants, and turkeys, amongst different home fowl. The virus is usually unfold to home birds by interactions with wild birds.

Right here is find out how to report each wild and home sick and useless birds:

Chook hunters ought to comply with normal security steps to keep away from potential publicity to avian influenza and different viruses or micro organism.

When you develop flu-like signs inside 10 days of contact with sick or useless wild birds, it is best to contact your native well being jurisdiction and alert your healthcare supplier to your latest contact with wild birds.

As a reminder, rooster, eggs and different poultry and poultry merchandise are suitable for eating when correctly dealt with and cooked. Remember to comply with these steps for safer meals:

• Wash fingers and clear and sanitize work surfaces and gear earlier than and after contact with uncooked poultry.
• Don’t wash meat, rooster, turkey, or eggs. Washing uncooked meat, rooster, turkey, or eggs can unfold germs to your sink, counter tops, and different surfaces in your kitchen. Cooking poultry completely will kill dangerous germs.
• Separate uncooked and cooked meat to keep away from cross-contamination.
• Prepare dinner poultry completely to an inner temperature of 165 levels Fahrenheit.
• Maintain poultry saved at 40 F or under or, within the freezer at 0 F or under.

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