AUSTIN, Texas - Bird flu, or H5N1, has been detected in a wild bird in Austin-Travis County, says Austin Public Health.
APH says that the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed the virus had been detected through testing by an area veterinary lab after dead birds were found in North Austin in early January.
Bird flu is a disease that typically affects wild birds, especially waterfowl, and domestic poultry. Cases have been detected in more than 60 people across the U.S. since 2024. One death from H5N1 has been reported in Louisiana.
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Per the CDC, the current public health risk of humans contracting bird flu in the United States remains low.
However, APH is issuing a public health advisory to remind the public that those who work with infected wild birds, poultry, or dairy cows - or have direct contact during recreational exposure to these animals - are at greater risk of contracting bird flu if exposed to a sick or infected dead animal.
How do I avoid exposure to bird flu?
The best way to protect yourself and others from bird flu is to avoid sources of exposure, says APH, which means avoiding direct contact with wild birds and other animals.
APH says the following tips can help you avoid exposure:
- Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings.
- Do not bring sick wild animals into your home.
- Keep your pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces.
- Avoid uncooked food products such as unpasteurized raw milk or cheeses.
If you experience illness after contact with sick or dead birds, contact your healthcare provider for evaluation. Providers can also contact APH at 512-972-5555 for additional information on testing and treatment.
How do I report sick or dead birds?
If you need to report sick or dead birds, here's what you should know:
- Sick or dead poultry: Contact the Texas Animal Health Commission, 24 hours, at 1-800-550-8242.
- Sick or dead waterfowl (5 or more in one place): Contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Spills and Kills Team closest to you or the TPWD 24-Hour Communications Center.
- Sick or dead pet (caged) bird: Contact your veterinarian.
The Source: Information in this report comes from Austin Public Health.