The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is urging caution after avian flu has killed multiple wild birds in southern Indiana.
DNR has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, is responsible for the death of a blue-winged teal in Greene County through surveillance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services and DNR Division of Fish, Wildlife & Nature Preserves.
HPAI also caused the death of black vultures in Jefferson County and is suspected as the cause of black vulture deaths in Franklin County, according to DNR.
The public health risk for HPAI is low, but it is possible for humans to contract it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC recommends that people avoid contact with sick waterfowl and other sick wildlife whenever possible.
If a carcass must be removed, people should wear disposable gloves and a bag, double-bag the carcass and place it in the trash. People should also use a shovel to pick up the carcass instead of their hands if possible, and washtheir hands with soap and warm water immediately afterward.
Signs of HPAI in waterfowl and raptors include:
- Sudden death,
- Neurological impairment, like lack of coordination, swimming/walking in circles, tremors and twisted neck,
- Lack of energy and appetite,
- Swelling of the head, neck and eyes,
- Nasal discharge, cough, sneezing, lack of coordination and diarrhea.
Wild waterfowl or raptors that are dead for no obvious reason or with the above signs can be reported at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife.
Waterfowl hunters should process birds in a well-ventilated area or outdoors and wear protective clothing, like a face mask and gloves. Meat harvested from waterfowl should be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consumption, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
People should reach out to the Indiana Department of Health if they have any of these symptoms after coming in contact with waterfowl:
- Eye irritation or redness,
- Fever,
- Chills,
- Cough,
- Sore throat
- Running or stuffy nose,
- Sneezing,
- Shortness of breath,
- Fatigue,
- Muscle or body aches,
- Headaches,
- Diarrhea, nausea or vomiting,
- Rash.
The IDOH can be contacted at 317-233-7125 during business hours and at 317-233-1325 outside of business hours. People should speak to the epidemiologist on call according to the automated call prompts after hours.
Some domestic and agricultural animals can also be susceptible to HPAI, like poultry, cattle and cats. People should process and dispose of any harvested waterfowl away from animals and practice good biosecurity measures, DNR says.