Background:
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been found in poultry in all 50 states, and intermittently on the East Coast, with recent detections in geese in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. Simply being outside where wild birds have been is generally considered low risk, but we must take precautions to minimize interacting with fecal material or water where potentially infected birds may have been. The HPAI virus is highly contagious between birds, and birds can be infected without appearing sick. The virus is carried in respiratory secretions, saliva, and fecal material.
Wild ducks, geese, shorebirds, and other wild waterfowl are the most common carriers, but often do not show signs of illness. Infection and illness can be more severe in birds of prey such as hawks and owls, and scavengers such as crows and gulls. HPAI is particularly deadly in domestic birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys.
Sick birds may have symptoms such as:
- Sneezing, coughing, eye and nose discharge, swelling near the eyes
- Abnormal position of the head or neck, incoordination, walking or swimming in circles
- Swelling of the legs and feet, patchy red or purple discoloration of the skin
- Sudden death, or increased deaths within a flock
For more information on HPAI and updates on any additional detections of HPAI in the United States, visit the USDA APHIS website.
Wild birds:
Avoid handling sick or dead wild birds. If you are concerned about a wild bird, please call your local wildlife rehabilitator or natural resources agency first for guidance. If handling is necessary, wear gloves and a face mask. After handling the bird, wash hands with soap and water and change clothing before having any contact with other wild or domestic birds. Unusual numbers of dead wild birds should be reported to local animal or wildlife health agencies.
Report suspect cases in Washington, DC:
- Dead wild birds: DOEE at doeecomms@dc.gov
- Sick live wild birds: City Wildlife at (202) 882-1000 or District of Columbia Animal Care and Control (DCACC) at (202) 723-5730. At this time, we are still accepting all wild birds at City Wildlife.
Maryland: Maryland Department of Natural Resources or USDA Wildlife Services (877-463-6497)
Virginia: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Wildlife Conflict Helpline (855-571-9003)
Other states: Individuals should contact their state wildlife or local natural resources agency.
Domestic birds:
Individuals with domestic birds are encouraged to review the information provided by the USDA APHIS Defend the Flock public education program. Resources, including HPAI prevention checklists and webinars, are available to help keep birds healthy and reduce the spread of disease. Suspect cases of HPAI in domestic birds should be reported to the state veterinarian or other local animal health official.
