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Avian Influenza
The Basics
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a viral disease that primarily infects poultry (i.e. chickens, turkeys, and ducks), wild birds, and recently other types of animals like dairy cows. HPAI has resulted in the culling (controlled deaths) of millions of birds in the United States this year.
The risk of HPAI transmission to humans remains low. However, it is important to know the symptoms, signs, and how to keep yourself safe and healthy.
General Health Tips to Avoid HPAI
The proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.
Types of Animals Known to Get HPAI
There are several birds and mammals known to transmit HPAI. They include:
- Foxes
- Raccoons, skunks, opossums, and squirrels
- marten, fishers, and river otters
- Domesticated animals such as dogs and cats
- Mice, voles, and cottontails (rabbits)
- Bobcats, coyotes, mountain lions, minks, tigers, and lions
- Polar bears, seals, and dolphins
- Black bears, grizzly bears, and kodiak bears
For a full list of animals, please visit the USDA HPAI tracking webpage here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals.
Symptoms of HPAI in Animals
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, infected flocks, birds, and other animals may show the following signs if infected by Avian Influenza:
- Sudden death with no prior signs
- Low energy or appetite
- Purple discoloration or swelling of various body parts
- Reduced egg production; or soft-shelled/misshapen eggs (chickens only)
- Nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing
- Lack of coordination
- Diarrhea
- Fever (dogs and cats)
- Reddened or inflamed eyes (dogs and cats)
- Difficulty breathing (dogs and cats)
- Neurological signs like tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness (dogs and cats)
Poultry and domestic bird owners should monitor their flocks and other animals for symptoms regularly. If you have animals showing symptoms of HPAI, contact your veterinarian or call the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) at 833-765-2006. More information about HPAI in birds can be found at agriculture.ks.gov/avianinfluenza.
How to Report HPAI Cases
Wild Birds or Other Wild Animals
If you find a sick or dead wild bird or other wild animal that you are concerned may have HPAI, you will need to report it to a Department of Wildlife and Parks Administrative Office. More information about those offices can be found here: https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWP-Info/Locations. If you find a dead bird or animal, pick it up with gloves, wrap it up in two bags and throw it in a dumpster. Then wash your hands with soap and water. Do not let your domestic animals touch sick or dead birds.
Domestic Poultry or Other Domestic Animals
To report an illness in domestic poultry or cattle, please contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture via their website: https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/division-of-animal-health/animal-diseases/avian-influenza. For other domesticated animals such as dogs and cats, it is recommended that you consult with a veterinarian.
Current Situation in Douglas County
Douglas County has had 1 confirmed case of HPAI in non-commercial poultry in a backyard flock. Douglas County does not have any known cases of HPAI in humans. For more information about current cases in Douglas County and Kansas, please visit the Kansas Department of Agriculture's website: https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/division-of-animal-health/animal-diseases/avian-influenza.