Avian flu has been found in a small backyard flock located in Jewell County according to a story written by a former Jewell County resident, Sharon Sahlfeld, who is now serving as editor of the Beloit Call.
This was not unexpected because of the migratory birds passing through the county.
Experts in the control of avian flue stress bird owners should avoid cross-contamination by not picking up birds that show symptoms of bird flu. Those symptoms can include a swollen head, an inability to fly and even a twisted neck.
“Do not pick up that bird even if you are trying to do the right thing,” said , Dr. Smith, a Kansas Department of Agriculture health commissioner.
“Make sure that all the food and water and everything that you are utilizing is covered up and not available to the wild birds. If you are out hunting or just walking around make sure when you go back home, you have done the proper thing about disinfection and cleanliness of your own boots. We recommend you have a dedicated set of boots and chore clothes for your flock.”
As far as undomesticated dead birds, this newspaper has received reports of many dead snow geese at Lovewell Lake.
Shane Hesting, Kansas Wildlife and Parks disease program coordinator, told Sahlfeld, “We don’t pick them up at reservoirs and will let nature take its course. Yes, raptors can eat on them and get infected, but the adult birds have been through this before and they have antibodies. We are seeing less and less spread this way. The ones dying are juveniles that have been previously exposed to the Avian influenza and have not built up their immunities. If they survive, they will return in the spring with built up immunities.”
“We have to stress the not handing of the sick or dead birds said Hesting. “Do not take them back to your home or farm. You will be contaminating your grounds. Hunters should never take their birds home to dress as their hunting clothes will be contaminated and the virus can be transmitted to chickens or other domesticated birds,
“As the migrating season winds down and they will be moving, the adults may get a little sick but can recover and they have built up immunities to the flu. The migration is almost over so this will ease up.”
It is best for bird farmers to cover their birds at this time of year said Hesting. You never know when a migrating flock will fly over and leave infected droppings.
To prevent the spread of avian Flue you can
•Cover feed and water and keep them out of the reach of wild birds.
•Clean and disinfect equipment and tires that have been on other farms
•Wear clean clothing, boots and shoes when handling birds
•Isolate new birds
•Do not touch or come near sick or injured birds
•Report sick or injured birds to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks or a local game warden
Avian flu is not considered a public health threat to humans.
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