Bird flu is back

After a lull during the summer months, bird flu is back and members of the public are asked to report any suspicious avian deaths to the Wyoming Game & Fish Department.

According to a statement from the department, positive results for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been confirmed in a blue-winged teal, a great horned owl and two turkey vultures.

“With bird hunting seasons either ongoing or rapidly approaching, and as migrating birds start to head south, we are asking the public to keep an eye out for dead birds and be aware of the disease,” said Jessica Jennings-Gaines, wildlife disease specialist.

No cases of avian influenza had been recorded in Wyoming since June 9, with 25 samples tested over the summer all coming back negative. However, in August, it was detected in wild birds in 13 states, including Colorado and Utah.

An online reporting tool has been made available through the Game & Fish website to help members of the public report suspicious bird deaths. This includes any sage grouse, raptor or owl found dead or exhibiting neurologic signs; small birds such as starlings or sparrows if a group of five or more is found dead or exhibiting neurologic signs; and any suspected birds in counties or species where HPAI has not been documented since September 1, which includes Crook County.

At this time, according to data from the Centers for Disease control, HPAI has been detected in 2276 wild birds in 46 states and has affected almost 46.5 million poultry in 40 states.

No bird flu outbreaks have been reported in Crook County, but Campbell, Johnson and Sheridan counties have all reported outbreaks in flocks of between 30 and 50 birds.

However, only one case of avian flu has been reported in a human in the United States. The reported case was located in Colorado.

Avian influenza viruses do not typically infect humans, but highly pathogenic subtypes have been associated with disease in humans. During hunting season, Game & Fish is urging hunters to take precautions when handling wildlife.

The advice issued by the department recommends not handling or eating sick game; field dressing and preparing game outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; wearing rubber or disposable nitrile gloves while handling or cleaning; washing hands thoroughly and cleaning equipment; not eating, drinking or smoking while handling animals; not feeding tissue from sick or found dead birds to domestic animals; and cooking game to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F before eating.

The current H5N1 bird flu viruses, according to the CDC, were first identified in Europe in the fall of 2020 and spread across the globe. They have been spreading via wild birds and causing sporadic poultry outbreaks in many countries, including the US.