What is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

HPAI virus strains are extremely dangerous and contagious, affecting both domestic and wild avian populations but other species (both mammalian and avian) are susceptible.

Avian influenza viruses are divided into subtypes based on a combination of two proteins found on the virus’s surface. Specifically, H5N1 is the strain we are commonly seeing during the last few years.

What native wildlife are most at risk?

Waterfowl (such as mallards and geese)
Birds of prey (such as red-tailed hawks and bald eagles)
Gamebirds (such as turkeys)
Shorebirds (such as gulls or grebes)
Corvid species (crows, ravens and bluejays)
Raccoons
Red Foxes
Striped Skunks
Coyotes

Transmission and Symptoms

Primary transmission is from bird to bird through infected respiratory secretions or feces. Viral particles become aerosolized after a bird sneezes, shakes its head, eats or drinks from a common source for other birds, or defecates into a common area. Healthy birds are infected when they come into contact either directly through bird-to-bird contact, or from a reservoir that contains infected materials.

Transmission of the virus is most likely to occur within 10 days post exposure but reports of transmission have been reported up to 17 days post exposure. Viral particles can remain active for days to months depending on the surface, and studies have shown the virus remains active for up to 2 months in ideal cold temperatures.

Symptoms of this virus are often confused for other common symptoms of a variety of other ailments. They are as follows:

Respiratory illness (sneezing, ocular or nasal discharge, respiratory distress, swelling around the eyes)
Lethargy, listless behavior and loss of appetite
Neurological abnormalities
Gastrointestinal issues
Circulation abnormalities
Sudden death, often acute with no obvious sign

Help, I found a high-risk species

To mitigate the risk of bringing H5N1 on site, we want to help you decide when to intervene by first answering some questions.

Is the animal exhibiting multiple symptoms of HPAI?
- If yes, please contact the PA Game Commission at 833-PGC-HUNT or email at pgc-wildlifehealth@pa.gov
- Please do not bring the animal/s in question to our clinic
- If no, please call our helpline directly 412-345-7300 x 500
If the (high-risk species) animal is not exhibiting symptoms but clearly orphaned or injured in some capacity, you can safely capture it while you contact our helpline.
- Wear gloves or use a barrier (towel or blanket) to handle animals,
- After bringing animal to rehab center, we recommend you wipe down any surfaces that were in contact with the animal with a disinfectant and shower before interacting with other animals

HPAI and Humans

Human transmission has increased over the course of the epidemic but is still considered a low public safety concern. Most people who have become sick or died from H5N1 have had extensive, direct contact with infected poultry or cattle. While it is considered a low health risk, there are a few steps you can take to prevent possible exposure to birdflu.

Wash your hands often
Only consume pasteurized dairy products
Make sure your meat and poultry products are cooked thoroughly
While the seasonal flu vaccine does not particularly protect against H5N1, it is still recommended to get the human influenza vaccine
Do not let your pets encounter wildlife and make sure they are up to date on their vaccines

Report a symptomatic animal and additional information

To report sick or deceased wild birds in PA, please contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 833-PGC-HUNT or email at pgc-wildlifehealth@pa.gov
To report sick or deceased poultry, please contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852
Out of State Reporting for Suspect Avian Cases, please contact USDA’s foreign disease outbreak line at 866-536-7593

To see the lasted updates in the US, visit HERE

To see the latest updates on confirmed cases in PA, visit HERE

Backyard flocks and reduce the spread

Having good bio-security tactics at home will be instrumental in protecting your flock. Not only for your flock, but also to help reduce the risk of exposing wildlife in your area. We would recommend:

Bring pet birds indoors or ensure areas where backyard birds are kept are fully enclosed, away from wild birds and their droppings, especially during heightened risk periods
Always wash your hands before and after handling your flock
Keep feed, drinking water and equipment out of reach of wild birds or rodents
Limit outside visitors from interacting with your flock
Know the signs of HPAI and immediately report any suspected infections to your veterinarian or state animal health official

Learn more from AVMA