DSHS says to avoid wild birds

According to an announcement from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is recommending Texans steer clear of wild birds as the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard poultry flock, a bald eagle and a horned owl in Texas.

“As expected by disease experts, HPAI is again circulating amongst wild birds in Texas as fall migration has begun for waterbirds and waterfowl,” TPWD stated. “HPAI has been detected in 46 states across the country and is a highly contagious virus that transmits easily among wild and domestic bird species.”

Symptoms of the sickness commonly called “bird flu” include diarrhea, incoordination and stumbling, lethargy, coughing and sneezing, and sudden death. The virus may spread in a variety of ways, including through contact with infected wild and domestic birds, though they may not have outward signs of infection, as well as by contaminated equipment, clothing and shoes of caretakers.

“The public can assist in interrupting HPAI transmission by limiting all unnecessary contact with wild birds,” TPWD recommends. TPWD further advises the use of basic protective measures (i.e., wearing gloves, face masks and hand washing) if contact with wild birds cannot be avoided.