Deadly bird flu detected in California wild birds again. Which counties have cases?

Wild birds in California have again tested positive for a deadly avian flu, according to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, spreads naturally among wild aquatic birds who can then infect chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks as well as other animals.

The virus doesn’t typically infect people, but there have been “sporadic infections to humans,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Now wildlife disease specialists have “confirmed the re-occurrence of the Eurasian strain” of the virus known as H5N1 in California wild birds, Fish and Wildlife said in a Thursday news release.

“Detections of the virus appeared to subside during spring and summer in California, as well as more broadly in the United States,” the agency said in the release. “Now as waterfowl and other waterbirds are undertaking fall migration, cases again are on the rise.”

What is highly pathogenic avian Influenza?

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been circulating in the United States and Canada since the winter of 2021 and 2022, according to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The virus was first detected in California in July 2022, the agency said.

In late October, three Canada geese were found dead by a Sacramento pond. They later tested positive for the bird flu.

Which California counties have bird flu cases?

In total, the virus was detected in wild birds collected from 44 California counties during mortality surveillance conducted between July 2022 and this June, Fish and Wildlife said.

In early November, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories detected avian flu in two Canada geese, according to Thursday’s release.

Since then, wildlife officials have discovered cases involving wild birds from Contra Costa, San Diego, Santa Clara, Solano and Yolo counties, the release said.

Bird flu was also discovered in waterfowl from Fresno, Glenn, Kern and Yolo counties, Fish and Wildlife said.

Before then, the previous confirmed case of avian flu in wild birds occurred in June, Fish and Wildlife said.

How can I prevent the spread of avian flu?

Although the transmission of avian flu from birds to humans is low, the Department of Fish and Wildlife is urging people to take precautions to prevent the disease from spreading.

Waterfowl hunters or people who have hunting dogs, falconry birds, poultry and pet birds are asked to use extra caution.

“The bird flu spreads through direct bird-to-bird contact,” Fish and Wildlife said, “and may also spread to birds through contaminated surfaces including hands, shoes, clothing and hunting gear.”

Here are tips from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for how to reduce the spread of avian influenza:

Report dead wild birds and other wildlife to the Department of Fish and Wildlife by filling out an online form.

Report sick and dead poultry to the California Department of Food and Agriculture hotline at 866-922-2473.

Don’t touch domestic or wild birds.

Don’t feed waterfowl birds or any type of water bird. This will cause the birds to congregate for food and can cause the spread of the virus.

Don’t take a sick bird home or try moving it. Instead report the bird.

Call an animal facility to get guidance before transporting a sick bird to a veterinarian or any other animal facility.

Wash your clothing and disinfect your shoes if you’re in outdoors areas that have a large number of waterfowl or other waterbirds.

Dispose of dead birds safely and in areas that would help reduce the exposure of avian influenza to other birds and animals. A dead bird can be placed in a plastic bag and disposed in an outdoor trash bin.

How can waterfowl hunters stay safe?

The Department of Fish and Wildlife has additional tips specifically for waterfowl hunters:

• Harvest healthy birds.

• Field dress and prepare game in areas that are well ventilated.

• Wear rubber gloves when handling birds.

• When removing bird intestines, do so quickly after hunting the bird and dispose of the birds insides in a plastic bag before tossing it into a trash bin.

• When handling dead game, refrain from eating, drinking or vaping.

• After handling game, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly.

• Harvested waterfowl should be kept in a cool area that’s below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

• The internal temperature of waterfowl should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit during cooking before it’s eaten.

• After hunting, you should disinfect all clothing and footwear before going anywhere else.

• Hunting dogs should be bathed with shampoo when returning home from hunting. You should also refrain from feeding your hunting dog any of the raw meat from the waterfowl.

The Bee’s Brianna Taylor contributed to this story.

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