Avian Influenza is Here, Hotline Available to Report Birds Showing Symptoms
Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 3:47AM
The highly pathogenic avian influenza, which has spread through farms and in the wild across Minnesota, has now been detected in Hennepin County.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says humans are not at risk from the disease, and eggs and meat from infected birds are safe to eat. But because it is highly contagious and fatal for birds, this outbreak could affect food production and prices.
Avian influenza is contracted when a bird touches body secretions of a sick bird. It is particularly found in chickens, geese, dabbling ducks and raptors, but can also infect other species of birds.
People who own birds are encouraged to take small but crucial steps to protect them and follow backyard coop protection steps from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
They should watch for the following symptoms: birds are unusually quiet, lying down, off their feed or water intake, have nasal discharge, have difficulty breathing, have difficulty standing, have twisted necks or appear to be continually looking up, have swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, wattle and hocks, egg production decreases or suddenly die.
Anyone who sees a bird – wild or domestic – that shows symptoms should contact the State’s bird flu hotline: 1-833-454-0156. Officers from Minneapolis Animal Care & Control will continue to respond to sick or injured birds when necessary to support State agencies managing this crisis.
Find more information on avian influenza on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website.
Also follow updates on The Raptor Center's Facebook page and website.
