Community
SAN BENITO COUNTY, CA.- Positive cases of the Eurasian strain H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as the Bird Flu, has been detected in wild birds in various counties including San Benito County. The San Benito Health and Human Services Agency is warning residents of the potential risk of handling or coming into close contact with a diseased or dead bird.
The Center for Disease Control states that the risk to the general public’s health from the virus is low. Precaution should be taken by those that may have job-related or recreational exposures to birds that put them at higher risk of infection. The virus is transmitted through bodily fluids such as respiratory droplets, saliva, and feces.
Transmission may occur directly from bird to bird, or indirectly through people, animals, or contaminated objects. Although rare, symptoms to be aware of include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, conjunctivitis, headaches, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches or diarrhea. If you develop symptoms within 10-days of exposure to an infected animal, call your health-care provider.
“It is best practice to never touch or handle birds who are deceased or exhibit signs of distress or illness,” said Dr. David Ghilarducci, San Benito County Interim Health Officer. “While severe cases of bird flu are possible in humans, we rarely see symptoms develop beyond those of the common cold.”
Infected birds may show signs such as weakness, lack of coordination, respiratory distress, diarrhea, weakness, and lack of appetite. Wild game birds may be susceptible to infection with signs similar to domestic poultry. Take precautions to limit disease spread between domestic birds and wild birds.
Unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to be reported to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife through their online form at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report, via phone call at (559) 243-4005, or via email at [email protected]. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, contact the CDFW directly.
Sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately can be reported to The CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
***PRESS RELEASE*** Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza detected in San Benito County
October 19, 2022
For Release: Immediately
For Release: Immediately
***PRESS RELEASE***
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza detected in San Benito CountySAN BENITO COUNTY, CA.- Positive cases of the Eurasian strain H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as the Bird Flu, has been detected in wild birds in various counties including San Benito County. The San Benito Health and Human Services Agency is warning residents of the potential risk of handling or coming into close contact with a diseased or dead bird.
The Center for Disease Control states that the risk to the general public’s health from the virus is low. Precaution should be taken by those that may have job-related or recreational exposures to birds that put them at higher risk of infection. The virus is transmitted through bodily fluids such as respiratory droplets, saliva, and feces.
Transmission may occur directly from bird to bird, or indirectly through people, animals, or contaminated objects. Although rare, symptoms to be aware of include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, conjunctivitis, headaches, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches or diarrhea. If you develop symptoms within 10-days of exposure to an infected animal, call your health-care provider.
“It is best practice to never touch or handle birds who are deceased or exhibit signs of distress or illness,” said Dr. David Ghilarducci, San Benito County Interim Health Officer. “While severe cases of bird flu are possible in humans, we rarely see symptoms develop beyond those of the common cold.”
Infected birds may show signs such as weakness, lack of coordination, respiratory distress, diarrhea, weakness, and lack of appetite. Wild game birds may be susceptible to infection with signs similar to domestic poultry. Take precautions to limit disease spread between domestic birds and wild birds.
Unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths to be reported to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife through their online form at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report, via phone call at (559) 243-4005, or via email at [email protected]. If you have questions about wildlife rehabilitation, contact the CDFW directly.
Sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately can be reported to The CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
###
Address/Location
San Benito County
471 4th St
Hollister, CA 95023
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 831-636-4000
Monica Leon
Public Information Officer
[email protected]