22/01/2022
Long important post ahead!
This was an email from the state wildlife biologist on 1/10/22 and we would like to make you aware of the current situation as well as our concerns. Moving forward this year we will NOT be taking in any birds of any kind whatsoever as we have various poultry on our property and want to prevent disease into our flocks if the HPAI reaches CT and is noted. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please don’t hesitate to call as we will help aid you in finding someone who can help you, but please understand we do love our livestock and can’t risk any potential for disease spread.
Updated information included below:
Multiple strains of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses were detected globally in wild birds and poultry in 2021.
November 26, 2021 a Greater Black-backed Gull (GBBG) died of HPAI H5N1 in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Multiple species were infected and died of HPAI H5N1 at exhibition farms in Newfoundland and Labrador in December of 2021.
This strain is new to the Americas and has the potential to cause mortality events in wild and domesticated birds; it is not presently a concern for human health.
Please assist us by reporting any mortality events in waterfowl, raptors and other avian scavengers where birds are exhibiting neurological impairment or found dead, especially near facilities housing domestic birds to:
[email protected], [email protected] and [email protected]
We are particularly interested in:
Mortality events involving 5 or more waterfowl (ducks, geese, or swans) or other water birds (loons, grebes, coots, shorebirds, or wading birds such as egrets, herons, or cranes).
Mortality events involving raptors, ravens, crows and gulls or individuals of these species exhibiting neurological impairment.
Always make sure to:
Ø Wear protective clothing including aprons, coveralls, rubber boots, rubber or latex gloves, eye protection, and face shields that can be disinfected or discarded to prevent skin and mucous membrane contact with biological materials and movement of biological materials between sites if you are rescuing birds that may be exhibiting neurological symptoms or in cases involving multiple mortalities.
Ø Work in well-ventilated areas or upwind of birds to decrease the risk of inhaling airborne particulate matter such as dust, feathers, or dander.
Ø Wear a particulate respirator (NIOSH N95 respirator/mask or better) when working in confined spaces.
Ø Wash hands often and thoroughly for at least 30 seconds with soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Ø Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while handling sick or dying birds.
Ø Decontaminate work areas and take appropriate measures to prevent inadvertent movement of infectious material to other locations.
As always, wild birds and domestic birds should never be housed together or in close proximity to one another. If you have domestic ducks, geese, chickens or gamebirds you should avoid taking in any sick or dying birds from the wild.
CDC states that “while the health risk posed to the general public by domestic HPAI outbreaks is low, it is possible that human infections with these viruses could occur.” Therefore, it is important to take added precautions while responding to sick and dying bird cases this winter. Additional information on safe work practices for working with wildlife is available from USGS.
Laurie Fortin
Wildlife Biologist
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
