Bird flu has been detected in Marion County, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with 272 suspected cases in wild birds as of March 3.
The highly contagious virus has infected millions of birds and spiked the price of eggs nationwide as farmers cull chickens affected by outbreaks. It has also been found in cows, cats and other mammals. Indiana DNR has reported bird flu in at least 30 of the state’s counties.
As of Feb. 28, no human cases of bird flu have been reported in Indiana. But there are steps people can take to lower their risk of coming into contact with the virus.
About 70 people have been infected with bird flu across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with many cases involving poultry and dairy workers. Symptoms include mild fever, eye redness, cough and sore throat.
The CDC is monitoring cases, but said the risk to humans is low and there currently is no known person-to-person transmission.
“The meat and eggs you get at the grocery store are completely safe to eat,” said Denise Derrer Spears, a spokesperson for the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. “If you come into contact with birds, wash your hands.”
If you find a dead bird in your yard, the agency recommends double bagging it before disposal and never touching it with bare hands. You can also report sick or dead wildlife to Indiana DNR to help track outbreaks.
People with backyard flocks should keep them contained, Spears said, especially around wild birds and waterways home to wild fowl. She also recommended wearing separate shoes when entering chicken coops and other backyard areas to avoid spreading the virus, which is often found in bird droppings.
There are also precautions cat owners should take to stop the spread of bird flu, including not feeding their pets raw milk or undercooked meats. The board has not officially recommended keeping pets inside, though Spears said it is a helpful safety measure.
“It’s a good idea to minimize exposure to birds,” she said. “There’s a lot of the virus out there right now.”
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