First LA County Cases Of Avian Flu Found In Long Beach

LONG BEACH, CA — The Long Beach Health Department confirmed the first three cases of avian flu in Los Angeles County as well as many sick and dead wild birds found near El Dorado Park in Long Beach.

The Health Department discovered two Canada geese and one Black-crowned Night-Heron near the park, officials said on Thursday. Avian flu is rarely transmitted to people or other animals but is very contagious among birds and can kill domesticated birds such as chickens, ducks and turkeys.

"The current avian flu outbreak occurring in the United States began in February 2022 and has affected over 47 million wild birds and poultry," LBHD officials said in a statement. "Domestic poultry, waterfowl, raptors and certain shorebirds are at highest risk of the virus."

Long Beach Animal Care Services is in the process of restoring the El Dorado Duck Pond by rehoming nonnative birds. Birds that are ill or are suspected of having the virus may be euthanized to protect the overall bird population, LBACS said.

Spread of the outbreak is being tracked at El Dorado Park as well as other parks in the City of Long Beach. LBHD is monitoring individuals who have contact with infected birds for symptoms.

Anissa Davis with Long Beach City Health advised the public to:

• Avoid contact with wild birds
• Avoid surfaces that may have saliva or feces from wild or domesticated birds on them
• Keep pets away from wild birds
• Not handle sick or injured birds
• Report sick and injured wildlife and birds to LBACS by phone at 562-570-7387 or via app
• Seek veterinary attention for pets if they seem sick

People who have backyard chickens, duck or other poultry should remove water and food sources, such as bird baths and bird feeders, that may feed wild birds. People who develop flu-like symptoms within 10 days of coming in contact with a sick or deceased bird should isolate from others and contact a doctor, Davis said.

Updated information for the general public and backyard poultry owners is available at longbeach.gov/hpai.