AUSTIN, Texas — Bird flu has been detected in Travis County, Austin Public Health confirmed on Wednesday.
Local public health officials say the state health department confirmed the H5N1 virus was detected in a wild bird that was found dead in North Austin this month. Tests performed by an area veterinarian lab detected the virus.
Health officials are advising the public to stay away from any wild birds and to keep their pets away from wild birds as well, just to be safe.
Bird flu typically affects wild birds, especially waterfowl and domestic poultry. Cases of the virus have now been detected in more than 60 people across the U.S., with one death being reported earlier this week in Louisiana.
Health officials said the person was older than 65, had underlying medical problems and had been in contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock. They also said a genetic analysis suggested the bird flu virus had mutated inside the patient, which could have led to the more severe illness.
Officials said people who work with infected wild birds, poultry or dairy cows – or have direct contact during recreational exposure to these animals – are at greater risk for contracting bird flu if exposed to a sick or infected dead animal.
Tips to avoid exposure include:
- Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings, and do not bring sick wild animals into your home.
- Keep your pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces.
- Avoid uncooked food products such as unpasteurized raw milk or cheeses.
- If you experience illness after contact with sick or dead birds, contact your health care provider for evaluation.
- Providers can also contact APH at 512-972-5555 for additional information on testing and treatment.
Reporting sick or dead birds:
- To report sick or dead poultry, please contact the Texas Animal Health Commission, 24 hours, at 1-800-550-8242.
- To report sick or dead waterfowl (five or more in one place), contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Spills and Kills Team closest to you or the TPWD 24-Hour Communications Center.
- If you have a sick or dead pet (caged) bird, contact your veterinarian.