SPOKANE –– The Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are asking the public to avoid contact with wild birds that are sick or found dead of unknown cause. WDFW recently confirmed three cases of avian influenza, also known as avian influenza, in two Canada geese and one great horned owl in the area.
Avian influenza is caused by infection with the influenza (flu) type A virus. The virus occurs naturally among wild aquatic birds around the world and is highly contagious among wild and poultry birds through saliva, nasal secretions, feces, and contaminated surfaces.
The influenza A virus is not easily transmitted from birds to people, but if proper precautions are not taken or direct contact or prolonged exposure to a sick bird increases the risk and the virus may spread to humans. Washington is in the middle of waterfowl and upland bird hunting seasons, so hunters should take special care.
The risk to your hunting dog is low, but be careful to avoid letting your pet come into contact with dead or sick animals that may have been exposed to avian influenza. If you are at risk for exposure, contact your veterinarian before bringing a sick pet.
“It is extremely unlikely that hunters will contract avian flu, but precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of contracting wildlife diseases,” said Dr. Francisco Velázquez, SRHD’s health officer.
Hunters are encouraged to take the following precautions to prevent transmission:
- Wear disposable gloves when cleaning harvested birds.
- Do not harvest obviously sick birds
- Do not eat, drink or smoke while cleaning your game.
- When cleaning your bird, work outside if possible.
- Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer immediately after handling the game.
- After cleaning the bird with soap and water, wash tools and work surfaces and then disinfect with a 10% bleach solution.
For additional safety suggestions and additional information about avian influenza: WDFW Blog Avian Influenza: Common Questions And answer WDFW’s Avian Influenza webpage.
There is currently no treatment or vaccination for animals infected with avian influenza. People may think they are helping, but taking a sick bird to a veterinarian, wildlife rehabilitator, or home to nurse it back to health can cause bigger problems.
“Transporting sick or dead birds, or sick wildlife, can spread disease to areas where it did not previously exist,” said Katherine Haman, WDFW wildlife veterinarian. “There is also a possibility that the virus could spread to livestock.”
Report sick or dead poultry to the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Bird Health Program at 1-800-606-3056 or visit: Washington State Department of Agriculture Learn more about protecting your backyard flock. If you find a sick or dead bird with no apparent cause of death, please report it to: WDFW’s online form And don’t touch it. If you believe you may have come into contact with a bird with avian influenza, contact your physician, call SRHD at (509) 324-1442, or email (email protected)
Spokane Regional Health District is a leader and partner in public health by protecting, improving and promoting the health and well-being of all people through evidence-based practices. SRHD is one of 34 regional public health agencies serving 39 counties in Washington state. For comprehensive and updated information about SRHD and its accomplishments in making Spokane a safer and healthier community, visit www.srhd.org. Like SRHD Facebook Or follow us twitter Get safety and health tips.
