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Avian Influenza
(“Bird Flu”)
Avian influenza, also called bird flu, is a disease of birds that is found primarily in wild waterfowl such as ducks, geese and swans. Sometimes, this disease can also spread from wild birds into domestic poultry. There are many strains of bird flu. Right now there is a type of bird flu called Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) type H5N1 (also called H5N1 bird flu) that has made many birds and a few people sick elsewhere in the world.
The H5N1 type of bird flu has not been found in the United States, but is now circulating in Asia, Europe and Africa.
Currently, certain wild birds are being tested so that if H5N1 bird flu does occur in the United States it will be recognized right away. State and Federal agriculture and wildlife agencies have a list of birds that are of most concern and have begun testing these birds. Waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, are a top priority to be tested. The vast majority of backyard birds - robins, sparrows, pigeons, cardinals, etc. - do not need to be reported or tested.
The information above is from the DEC website.
For more information:
~ visit the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7189.html ;
~ view the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service publication, "Avian Influenza: Be on the Lookout" by clicking here ;
~ visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at
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