The Delmarva Avian Influenza Joint Information Center recently announced a collaborative effort between the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services to collect sick and deceased snow geese and other wild birds affected by the avian influenza outbreak in Delaware. This initiative, aimed at tracking the spread of the bird flu, is funded by DNREC and the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA).
Individuals who come across sick or dead wild animals in Delaware during the avian influenza outbreak, or at any time of the year, are encouraged to report their findings to the DNREC Wildlife Section. While reporting does not guarantee a response from DNREC or APHIS Wildlife Services, it ensures that the appropriate authorities will assess the report and may follow up if necessary.
It is important for the public to refrain from handling sick birds, and only those wearing disposable plastic gloves should pick up dead birds. This precaution extends to waterfowl hunters as well, as the DNREC Wildlife Section has received reports of hunters mishandling birds potentially infected with avian influenza.
If residents encounter sick or dead wild birds on their property, they should report their findings promptly to state authorities. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife provides a reporting form for sightings of sick, injured, or dead wildlife, while the DDA should be notified of any signs of HPAI or increased mortality in backyard flocks.
When removing dead wild birds, individuals should wear proper personal protective equipment, double-bag each bird, and dispose of them in designated trash bins for pickup and disposal at a Delaware Solid Waste Authority landfill. Waterfowl hunters are advised to follow specific protocols from APHIS for handling and field dressing wild fowl during an avian influenza outbreak.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads rapidly among birds through nasal and eye secretions and feces. Snow geese, known for their winter migration to Delaware, often form large flocks and are susceptible to the virus due to close contact with other waterfowl in the region.
While the H5N1 virus has infected a small number of individuals in the U.S., there is no documented human-to-human transmission of the virus. However, caution is advised, especially for children and pets who should avoid contact with wild birds and bird droppings.
Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms after contact with wild birds or poultry should contact the Delaware Division of Public Health for a referral to obtain a flu swab test. Severe symptoms should prompt a visit to the emergency department, where exposure to poultry or wild birds should be disclosed to healthcare providers.
For more information on avian influenza impacting wildlife, visit the DNREC website. Additionally, information on avian influenza and the state poultry industry can be found at de.gov/poultry.
Source: Delaware.gov
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts between DNREC and APHIS Wildlife Services are crucial in tracking and managing the avian influenza outbreak in Delaware. Public awareness and adherence to safety protocols are essential in preventing the spread of the virus among both wildlife and humans.
