The latest strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in birds in Butte County.
According to the United State Department of Agriculture, 70 birds in the county tested positive for the virus.
The exact location of the infected birds has not been shared, although the Butte County Department of Public Health reports that the infection is in a non-commercial backyard poultry flock.
Lisa Almaguer, public information officer for Butte County Public Health, said she expects the number of infected birds in the county to rise, as this has been the trend across the state.
“The bird flu virus is mainly spread by wild birds, especially in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese,” she said. "BCPH wants poultry owners to be aware of the potential for H5N1 exposure, know the signs of infected poultry, and take steps to prevent exposure to themselves and others.”
The risk to the general public remains low, but people who work with birds, poultry or cows are at a higher risk of infection.
Almaguer recommends those at a higher risk take preventative measures such as keeping backyard flocks and their food supply away from wild birds, avoiding touching symptomatic animals and having a dedicated pair of closed toe shoes that are only used while working with animals.
Additionally, backyard flock owners should be aware of the symptoms for bird flu in poultry. Signs of infection include:
- Trouble breathing
- Clear runny discharge from nose, mouth or eyes
- Lethargy or decreased food and water intake
- Diarrhea
- Swelling of eyes, head, wattle or comb
- Discolored or bruised comb, wattles or legs
- Stumbling, falling or a twisted neck
- Sudden death
Poultry owners who notice any of these symptoms in their flock should call
the California Department of Food and Agriculture Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
Almaguer reports there have been no reported human cases within the county to date.
NSPR reached out to the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture for more information but has not yet received a response.
