Bird flu: Black vultures dying, mammals getting infected. Are humans at risk?

Devarrick Turner, Knoxville News Sentinel
·3 min read

Around 100 dead black vultures have been spotted recently around Knoxville and surrounding areas, deaths that the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency suspects might be caused by avian influenza, better known as bird flu.

So should Knoxville residents be concerned for their own health?

Tennessee is currently seeing large die-offs of black vultures, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency biologist Scott Dykes told Knox News. But the status of less visible species is a larger challenge to determine, especially as the death of wild birds and poultry reach record numbers.

“Our concern is what we don’t know,” Dykes said.

The world’s largest outbreak of avian influenza began in February 2022 and has infected nearly 60 million birds, resulting in the loss of over 40 million hens and high egg prices, and now it’s starting to infect mammals such as raccoons, foxes and skunks.

Is an outbreak among humans next? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said human risk is minimal.

Here's what you need to know about the outbreak and precautions you should take.

How is bird flu spread among birds?

  • Birds can infect other birds with avian influenza through their saliva, nasal secretions, prolonged proximity to each other, contaminated surfaces and carcasses.

  • Wild birds can easily infect backyard poultry through shared food and sources of water.

  • Bird flu is highly contagious and only takes one sick bird to begin spreading.

Should I be worried about getting bird flu?

  • It is rare for people to be infected with bird flu, according to the CDC.

  • The CDC considers the current outbreak to be a low risk to the general public’s health and is “primarily an animal health issue.”

  • There’s a higher risk for people who work with or have recreational contact with birds, especially without gloves or respiratory or eye protection.

  • Only one person has been infected in the U.S. since April 2022, according to the CDC. Only four cases have ever been reported in the U.S.

Are eggs and poultry safe to eat during the outbreak?

  • Eggs and poultry from grocery stores are safe to eat, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has stated.

  • The chances of eggs from infected poultry entering the food chain supply are low because of USDA safeguards.

  • Infected chickens and turkeys are easily detected due to the rapid onset of symptoms.

  • Bird flu risks become even lower when food is stored and prepared properly.

What’s the current outbreak status and how are mammals infected?

  • More than 58 million birds have been infected, resulting in the loss of more than 43 million egg-laying hens and subsequent high egg prices, the USDA reported.

  • Bird flu has begun to spread in mammals such as racoons, foxes and skunks. None of these cases have been in Tennessee, according to the USDA database.

  • Mammals typically are infected by eating infected birds.

  • Mammal infections might increase as more wild birds such as vultures, ducks and geese become sick.

What precautions should I take?

  • Don’t handle dead birds, biologist Scott Dykes advised.

  • Wear protective gloves, eye, mouth, and nose gear if handling living or dead birds.

  • Watch pets for symptoms if they bring in a dead bird.

  • Contact the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to report large numbers of dead birds.

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter for Knox News. He can be reached by email at devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Follow Devarrick on Twitter @dturner1208. Enjoy exclusive content and premium perks while supporting strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: What to know about the bird flu outbreak killing poultry, wild birds