We have been hearing a lot about avian influenza, or H5N1, and the price of eggs in the news recently. It got me thinking: should we be worried about bird flu here in the Keys?
As it turns out, we should.
Although the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has not reported cases here in the Keys as of November 2024, our northern neighbors are seeing effects. The cases are wide-reaching across the U.S., with more than 8,000 birds affected in Miami-Dade alone.
This H5N1 strain of avian influenza virus affects not just poultry but a wide variety of wild birds, including hawks, eagles, falcons, owls, crows, vultures, shorebirds, game birds and seabirds, including egrets. The virus was even found in a bottlenose dolphin, cows and domestic cats. These mammal infections can happen when exposed to feces or an infected dead bird.
The virus is shed in infected birds’ saliva, mucus and feces and transmitted to other birds via ingestion or inhalation. The virus can cause severe illness and death in birds, but also it has been found in a wide variety of mammals.
Bird flu spreads through contact with infected birds, contaminated equipment, droppings or secretions. It can also spread through the air or by humans carrying the virus on their clothes or tools. Wild birds are common carriers. This is important because more than 100 species of birds fly over the Florida Keys every spring and fall in the Atlantic Flyway migration. Many use the island chain to take a break and recuperate before continuing their journey. Wild birds can represent a significant factor in influenza viruses due to their migration patterns, allowing viruses to spread quickly over large geographic regions.
What should we be doing? The first thing is to limit interaction between domestic birds or cats with wild bird populations. Interestingly, the National Wildlife Disease Program does not recommend taking down feeders unless you keep domestic poultry. Small birds like songbirds shed less virus and are much less susceptible. They do suggest putting feeders out of a line of sight for wild birds and cleaning them often. If you have backyard poultry, make their food and water inaccessible to wild birds. Keep poultry indoors or otherwise physically separated from wild birds, if possible. Additionally, change your clothes and wash your hands before and after tending to them.
Are eggs safe to eat? Yes, eggs are safe to eat. However, experts say you should avoid eating them raw or undercooked; cook them to 165 degrees to be safe.
You should learn the symptoms of bird flu. Any wild or backyard bird exhibiting signs of sickness should be reported for testing to determine whether the bird has been infected. Bird flu can cause symptoms such as:
- Sudden death without any prior symptoms.
- Respiratory distress: gasp for air, cough, sneeze or nasal discharge.
- Swollen eyelids, combs, wattles and shanks.
- Blue or purple discoloration of their combs, wattles and legs.
- Neurological signs: twisting their necks, circling or stumbling.
- Diarrhea.
- Reduced egg production or eggs that are misshapen.
- Low energy or appetite.
What should you do if you suspect avian influenza? If you see a dead chicken, do not touch it or try to investigate yourself. Instead, report it to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by emailing RAD@FDACS.gov. Report dead wildlife, including migratory birds, to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission at myfwc.com.
