Worldwide, H5N1 avian influenza continues to impact wild birds as well as domestic farm flocks, cows, and other species, including humans in close contact with infected animals. We’re all aware that poultry farm flocks are suffering the impacts of infected birds, leading to egg shortages and high prices.   

In the Eastern U.S., the highly pathogenic form of avian flu (HPAI) seems to be most affecting wild birds along the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways, causing bird deaths and increasing the flu’s impact on other bird and mammal species who scavenge on the carcasses.  It was confirmed through testing that the famous Southwest Florida Bald Eagles in North Fort Myers lost both their chicks, E24 and E25, in late January due to HPAI.  Whether the adults were asymptomatic carriers of the avian flu or they brought prey infected with the virus into the nest is unknown and undeterminable.

Overall, the vast majority of people are at low risk for contracting the virus, but there are some simple steps you can take to help control the spread of this virus in local settings.  Because the virus is transmitted through feces and secretions (bodily fluids including saliva and watery eyes), please consider the following measures:

1. At least once a week - If you have backyard feeders or bird baths, clean your feeders and baths thoroughly with a bleach and water solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water, completely soaking and scrubbing the feeders/baths, then rinsing thoroughly and allowing to air dry complete before refilling.  If it’s possible to dry the items in the sun prior to refilling, this can aid in ensuring sufficient evaporation of the cleaning solution.  Remember to clean up the ground around feeders and bird baths, bagging up and disposing discarded seeds, hulls, etc. in the trash.
2. Hummingbird sugar water should be replaced every other day.  If sugar water becomes cloudy or mold/mildew appear on feeding ports or in the feeder, deep clean as in Item 1 and then refill the feeder.  Sugar Water Recipe:  Mix one part granulated sugar (not brown, organic, or raw sugar or sugar substitute) with four parts water, heat until sugar dissolves.  Do not use red dye or food coloring!  When cool, fill the feeder.  Extra sugar water can be stored in a closed container in the refrigerator.
3. If you visit birding areas (trails, parks, ponds, beaches, etc.) where birds gather, be aware you are likely stepping in bird feces along the way, providing an opportunity for the virus to spread on your shoes.  Upon returning to your vehicle after bird walks, brush off as much dirt/sand as you can, especially on the soles, then change your shoes and place them in a plastic bag.  Once at home, clean the soles with a 10% bleach solution (see Item 1 for recipe) by spraying the bottoms or stepping onto a well-soaked bleach solution-infused towel repeatedly.  Allow the soles to dry by placing the shoes on their sides or upside down to expose the bottoms to air.  If possible, dry the shoes in the sun.
4. If you find an injured, sick or deceased bird or other animal, do not touch or handle the animal with bare hands.   If you see any injured, seemingly sick, or deceased animal, call your local wildlife rehabilitation center or state wildlife office for advice. 
   
5. In Florida, report sick birds or bird mortalities to Florida Wildlife Commission at (888) 404-3922 or online: https://app.myfwc.com/FWRI/AvianMortality/

- Jean Pichler, President