Pass the word: here is another reason to not feed wild ducks at the pond. Be well, Mart
SALEM, Ore. - Canada goose goslings collected from Alton Baker Park in
Eugene tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, state
wildlife officials said.
"A larger outbreak is suspected as more sick and dead waterfowl have
been observed at the park," the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
said. "A red-tailed hawk from Eugene and an osprey collected
from Dorena Reservoir (east of Cottage Grove) May 10 have also tested positive."
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The cases are the first confirmed in wild birds in Oregon.
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Earlier this month, birds in a backyard flock in Linn County tested
positive for the virus - the first confirmed cases in Oregon since 2015.
The risk posed by bird flu to human health is low, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"The only known human case involving infection and illness was someone
involved in the culling of presumptively infected poultry at a
commercial farm in Colorado, according to the Colorado Department
of Public Health and Environment," according to ODFW.
But the new cases signal a need for the public to increase their
vigilance - and take steps not to facilitate the spread of the disease
through human actions.
"With the detections this week, it is more important than ever to avoid
close contact with waterfowl (ducks and geese) this spring and summer,"
according to ODFW. "This includes feeding waterfowl
which congregates susceptible birds and enables the disease to spread between birds more easily."
If you see sick or dead wild birds, do not touch them. Report the sighting to ODFW at
866-968-2600 or by email at
Wildlif...@odfw.oregon.gov.
"ODFW staff will be conducting surveillance and collecting/testing sick
and dead wild birds to monitor for the presence of the disease," the
agency said. "Also note that Oregon’s wildlife
rehabilitators are not accepting sick ducks and geese at this time in
order to protect other avian patients and education birds in their
care."
Backyard bird owners should take steps to separate their flock from the
wild and prevent exposure. If domesticated birds fall ill or die, the
state asks you to call
503-986-4711 or1-800-347-7028.
"Turkey hunting season is currently open in Oregon and it is possible
for turkeys to become infected with avian flu," according to ODFW.
"Waterfowl hunting seasons begin in fall and run through
January. The risk of the disease spreading to a hunter is low but
hunters should always wear gloves, thoroughly sanitize equipment that
comes into contact with wild birds, cook birds to an internal
temperature of 165 degrees and never consume a bird that appears sick or is found dead." | Learn more on the ODFW website
One positive note - and a word of caution:
"This strain of avian flu is not known to be a threat to songbirds, but
keep your bird feeders clean and take them down if you see sick or dead
birds near your feeder or in your neighborhood," ODFW
said. | Learn more on the ODFW website