AVIAN INFLUENZA

 


 AVIAN INFLUENZA
Many people are concerned about the outbreak of avian influenza. Avian flu has been reported in 108 countries and has caused the death of more than 300 million birds (Dec. 2024). It began in 2022 and has affected – domestic poultry, waterfowl (Mallards, Canada geese), raptors (Great Horned Owl, Cooper’s Hawk, Red- Tailed Hawk) shorebirds (Storks, Plovers) and other species of birds and some mammals (in many parts of the world.) Chickens are highly susceptible to avian flu with near 100% deaths in some outbreak strains like H5N1.(CDC, March 19, 2025) As of Jan. 2025, 136, 327, 327 domestic poultry were affected with H5N1 flu and two months later as of March, 2025 USDA reported 166, 891, 036 domestic poultry were infected.  (CDC, March 2025),
At present, the current strain of avian flu cannot spread human-to-human.  This may change quickly if the virus mutates. Wild migratory waterfowl, especially ducks and geese, are considered a natural reservoir for avian influenza viruses. Many waterfowl species can become infected and transmit low strains that may mutate into highly pathogenic variants. Specific types of waterfowl that have been shown to be susceptible to avian flu include Mallard Ducks, Northern Pintail, and Canada geese. More recently,  H5N1 has been detected in livestock such as dairy cattle and goats. Turkeys are also very vulnerable with high mortality rates. Ducks and geese can become infected and die from some strains, but may show lower mortality rates than chickens and turkeys especially with H5N1. As of March 1, 2025 the US has culled over 134 million  chickens. Georgia, the US leading chicken producer has suspended all chicken sales as of March 1, 2025. The transmission of avian influenza from birds to humans is rare according to the Centers for Disease Control. As of March, 2025 there have been 70 cases of avian flu infecting humans and one death- 41 on dairy farms, 24 poultry  farms, 2 other, and 3 unknown. (CDC Mar. 19, 2025) Avian influenza can be transmitted through direct contact,  contaminated surfaces and inhalation.
Infected birds can shed the virus in saliva, eyes, nasal or oral secretions, and feces. The virus particles can remain suspended in the air, then they can be inhaled or they can form droplets which are deposited on surfaces. You cannot become infected by eating, thoroughly cooked poultry, eggs or meat. (Government of Canada, Canada.ca)

Pets are susceptible to bird flu, particularly cats.

However, the risk of bird flu in cats still remains very low.
Symptoms of your cat having the flu include lethargy, eye, and nose discharge, and trouble breathing.
If you allow your cat outside, it may become infected through exposure to infected birds and other animals.
(CDC AVIAN INFLUENZA MARCH 7, 2025)

Globally, feral and domestic roaming cats will hunt more than
2,000 species from tiny hatching turtles to bats.
Roaming cats also hunt a surprising number of insects, including emperor dragonflies, and endangered Monarch butterflies.
So if you keep your cat inside you will reduce its exposure to infected birds, as well as, reduce the number of animal species being killed indiscriminately.
(RHIANNA SCHMINK, CBC DEC. 2025)

The transmission of the avian flew to songbirds has been low at about 3% of all cases, although this may change with increase testing or changes to the virus. (AVIAN FLU, SONGBIRDS CORNELL LAB MARCH 11, 2025.


Right now there is no official recommendation to take down bird feeders 

from the US Department of Agriculture or the Government of Canada, unless your feeders are open to domestic poultry or other domestic animals.

If there is a recommendation to take down feeders, I will still buy seeds and carry  bags of seeds  with me on walks in woodland areas and scatter them on stumps and logs. Of course, it is recommended that you always clean bird feeders and bird bath regularly as a way to keep many kinds of diseases at bay.


And finally Dr. Lovejoy an American ecologist stated emphatically, “If you take care of BIRDS you take  care of most of the problems in the environmental world.”

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