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Deadly Avian Flu: What you need to know to stay safe

Conservation District offers tips to stay healthy during outbreak

MILL HALL — The Clinton County Conservation District has provided the following information regarding the Avian Flu Outbreak for area residents:

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects birds but can also pose risks to humans and other animals. As outbreaks continue to be reported worldwide, understanding the disease, its transmission and protective measures is crucial for both public health and animal welfare.

What is Avian Flu?

Avian influenza is caused by influenza A viruses that naturally circulate among wild birds. While many bird flu strains cause only mild illness, some, such as H5N1 and H5N8, are highly pathogenic and can lead to severe disease and high mortality rates in poultry. In rare cases, these strains have also infected humans, leading to serious illness and even death.

How Does Avian Flu Spread?

The virus spreads through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings or contaminated surfaces. Wild migratory birds can carry the virus over long distances, potentially spreading it to domestic poultry. Pennsylvania has recorded outbreaks in a commercial upland game bird farm in Northumberland County in December 2023 and backyard flocks in Wayne and Schuylkill counties in February 2024. Since 2022, 4.7 million birds in Pennsylvania have been affected by HPAI. The virus has also been detected in dairy cattle, raising concerns about cross-species transmission. Humans can become infected by handling sick birds, touching contaminated surfaces or inhaling virus-laden particles, although human-to-human transmission is rare.

How to Protect Yourself and Animals

— To minimize the risk of infection, both individuals and poultry owners should take preventive measures:

— Avoid Contact with Wild Birds: Do not feed or handle wild birds, particularly those that appear sick or dead.

— Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling birds or their environments.

— Secure Poultry Farms: Keep domestic birds separated from wild birds by using enclosures and proper biosecurity measures.

— Cook Poultry Properly: Ensure that all poultry products are cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential virus.

What to Do If You Find

a Sick or Dead Bird

If you encounter a sick or dead bird, do not touch it. Instead, report it to local wildlife or agricultural authorities, who can assess the situation and take necessary precautions. You can contact the PA Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD (742-9453) or the PADLS 24/7 hotline at 717-772-2852 (leave a message, and a veterinarian will return your call). If you suspect exposure to infected birds and develop flu-like symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

While avian flu remains a global concern, staying informed and following preventive steps can help protect both human and animal populations from potential outbreaks. By working together, communities can reduce the risks associated with this serious disease and safeguard public health.

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