Suspected Return of Bird Flu
Bird flu has apparently returned to our local area on the Upper Mississippi River. Although no birds have been clinically tested, sick birds are displaying symptoms of bird flu. The last outbreak of bird flu along this section of river was summer 2022 when thousands of waterbirds were killed. Currently, dead and sick Tundra swans, Canada geese and several species of waterfowl are being reported. Due to the possibility of human exposure, do not pick up sick or dead birds along or adjacent to the river. If a dead bird is in a location that may result in exposure to humans or pets, cautiously (wearing gloves and mask) place the carcass in a trash bag and properly dispose of it.
Bird flu is scientifically referred to as highly pathogenic avian influenza. Wild birds seldom display clinical signs when infected making them a good source for virus transmission. This highly contagious virus is a major reservoir for influenza A viruses which can infect poultry, dogs, cats, pigs, fox, cattle and humans.
This virus infects the bird’s digestive system, in contrast to the respiratory infection in humans and other animals. The infection causes the virus to be passed in their feces, allowing for wide geographic transmission within wild birds and other species.
Human infections with the bird flu virus are increasing due to an increase of poultry infections on commercial farms and cattle infections on dairy farms. The most effective control to minimize exposure, is to keep humans and domestic animals away from healthy, sick, and dead wild birds.
The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the most visited refuge in the United States. The refuge extends 261 miles along the Upper Mississippi River from Wabasha, Minn. to Rock Island, Ill., protecting and preserving habitat for migratory birds, fish, and a variety of other wildlife.