Texas officials say dead birds found in early January tested positive for bird flu
Texas officials have confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or bird flu) in Austin-Travis County after conducting tests on dead birds found in North Austin. The tests were carried out by a local veterinary lab, which identified the virus in the deceased birds.
The Austin Public Health Department and Texas Department of State Health Services issued an advisory on Wednesday, reminding the public that individuals who work with infected wild birds, poultry, or dairy cows are at a higher risk of contracting the virus if they come into contact with sick or infected animals.
While bird flu primarily affects wild birds, particularly waterfowl, and domestic poultry, there have been over 60 confirmed cases of bird flu in humans across the United States.
In a concerning development, a patient in Louisiana who was hospitalized with the first human case of bird flu recently passed away, as reported by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). The patient, who was over 65 years old and had underlying medical conditions, was found to have a mutated version of the virus, raising fears of potential human-to-human transmission, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Despite these developments, both the CDC and the LDH have emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low. However, they caution that individuals who interact with birds, poultry, or cows are at an increased risk of contracting the virus.
As of the latest update, there have been a total of 66 confirmed cases of bird flu in humans, with the majority of cases concentrated in California, Washington state, and Colorado. Approximately 40 of these cases were linked to exposure to cattle herds.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious virus that can spread through contact with infected animals, contaminated equipment, and even through the clothing and shoes of caretakers, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Austin health officials are urging anyone who encounters a sick or dead bird to report it to the Texas Animal Health Commission at 800-550-8242. Additionally, individuals with sick or deceased pet birds are advised to seek guidance from a veterinarian.
For more information and updates on the situation, individuals can stay informed through the Fox News Digital platform. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.
[Author Bio: Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. For story tips and ideas, reach out to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com or connect on Twitter @GregWehner.]
