Fatal to Pets? Wildlife Experts Warn of Bird Flu Risks Beyond Wild Birds

Bird flu has once again began to attack waterfowl and other wild birds in Louisiana, but according to wildlife experts, birds aren't the only animals threatened by an attack of bird flu.

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In an announcement from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, we learn that fall migrations have created a resurgence of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) aka "Bird Flu" and is causing mortalities in scores of waterfowl and other wild birds in Louisiana. Most mortalities have been detected in southwest Louisiana.

Louisiana Officials Say That Many Species of Wild Birds Are Susceptible To Bird Flu

In their announcement, LDWF highlights that many different species of wild birds can be infected with HPAI. Geese and other waterfowl are particularly susceptible to HPAI.

Many wild birds recover from infection and develop immunity to a particular strain of AI, but others may exhibit neurological symptoms, which ultimately lead to the death of the bird. Scavenging raptors, including vultures, are also susceptible to the disease.

Although public health officials consider this strain of HPAI to be of minimal threat to humans, sick birds should not be handled and no bird exhibiting signs of disease or found dead should be utilized for human consumption. Additionally, as this disease is highly contagious to other wild birds and domestic poultry, sick birds should not be comingled with other birds.

Even Cats, Dogs, Cattle And Other Livestock Can Contract Bird Flu

Although uncommon, fatal infections have been documented in dogs, cats, livestock, foxes and even dolphins.  Contact between pets and birds showing neurologic signs should be avoided.

Wildlife rehabilitators should be careful not to bring potentially HPAI-infected birds into their rehabilitation facilities to prevent introduction and spread of the disease within the facility. Clothing and other objects, or even seemingly healthy waterfowl, which may have come in contact with the disease should be washed thoroughly and kept away from other birds, especially domestic poultry.

Spot Sick Or Dead Bird?  Contact LDWF At One Of These Numbers Immediately

Sick or dead birds should be reported to regional LDWF offices. The contact information for these offices is as follows: Hammond Office, 985-543-4777; Lake Charles Office, 337-491-2575; Lafayette Office, 337-262-2080; Minden Office, 318-371-3050; Monroe Office, 318-343-4044; Pineville Office, 318-487-5885.

More information about HPAI may be found at the CDC’s bird flu webpage and at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service avian influenza webpage.