6 Birds Test Positive For Avian Flu In Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Six birds have tested positive for the Avian Flu, also known as the bird flu, in Orange County this week, the OC Health Care Agency reported.

The six confirmed cases come roughly a week after Los Angeles County officials reported eight cases of the flu in wild birds across the county.

"Avian flu is present in Orange County and while the risk of transmission to humans is low, residents should stay away from any dead birds," said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer, and HCA’s Chief Medical Officer in a statement. "Bird flu is very contagious among birds and can sicken and even kill certain domesticated bird species including chickens, ducks and turkeys."

The confirmed cases are part of a growing nationwide outbreak of the bird flu, according to the statement. The risk to humans remains low, however, if cases continue to rise across the country then there is a concern that the illness could spread to domestic poultry, according to a report published by NBC Los Angeles.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommended that hunters take precaution to limit the possibility of spread of infection to humans, and that the public stay clear of any sick or dead birds they may find.

Orange County residents are advised to follow these preventive steps:

• Avoid surfaces that appear contaminated with saliva or feces from wild or domestic birds.
• Keep dogs and other pets away from wild birds.
• If you become ill after unprotected exposure to a sick or dead bird contact your healthcare provider so that you can be evaluated.
• Bird Owners are advised to follow additional safety measures, prevent contact of their birds with wild birds, and immediately report any sick birds (view more information HERE).
• Report unusual occurrences of sick and dead wild birds to 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 or dead commercial birds, please call California Department of Food and Agriculture 866-922-2473.

Dead birds can also be reported online to westnile.ca.gov/report.