Bird flu confirmed in Orange County – New Santa Ana birds

(Santa Ana, CA) – The OC Health Agency (HCA) has received confirmation that six birds have tested positive for avian influenza A (H5N1), also known as bird flu, in Orange County. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) advises hunters to take precautions to limit the possibility of the infection spreading to humans, and that the public stay away from any sick or dead birds they may find.

“Avian influenza is present in Orange County, and although the risk of transmission to humans is low, residents should stay away from any dead birds.” says Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer and HCA Chief Medical Officer. “Bird flu is highly contagious among birds and can sicken and even kill some domestic bird species, including chickens, ducks and turkeys.”

Residents are advised to take the following preventive measures:

• Avoid contact with wild birds, even if they do not appear to be sick.
• Avoid surfaces that appear soiled with saliva or feces from wild or domestic birds.
• Keep dogs and other pets away from wild birds.
• If you become ill after unprotected contact with a sick or dead bird, contact your doctor to be examined.
• Bird owners are advised to take extra precautions, keep their birds out of contact with the wild and report sick birds immediately (see details HERE).
• Report unusual cases of sick or dead wild birds to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Mortality Reporting online at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report.

To report an unusual number of sick/dead commercial birds, call the California Department of Food and Agriculture at 866-922-2473. Dead birds can also be reported online westnile.ca.gov/report.