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H5N1, known as bird flu, has been detected in a backyard poultry flock in the city of San Mateo, a representative from the San Mateo County Health department said Thursday following a notice of the case from the California Department of Food and Agriculture published on Monday, Feb. 3.
An outbreak of H5N1 has infected poultry and, recently, some cattle farms across the nation, leading to soaring egg prices. Though no human cases of the virus have been linked to the San Mateo County outbreak, the incident highlights the risk of H5N1 for anyone who works with or lives near poultry.
“It’s important for residents who keep chickens and other birds in their yards to protect their flock and themselves from H5N1,” San Mateo County’s Agricultural Commissioner Koren Widdel said in a prepared statement. “There are simple actions every flock owner can take to prevent the disease from spreading,”
H5N1 has been found in several counties across California. The seasonal migration of wild birds increases the risk for poultry owners, including those with backyard flocks. The virus is primarily spread by wild birds, particularly waterfowl like ducks and geese, and through contact with contaminated surfaces such as hands, shoes, clothing, or the fur of rodents and other animals.
Bird flu spreads rapidly among birds and is often deadly. Symptoms of H5N1 in poultry can include sudden death, difficulty breathing, clear discharge from the nose, mouth, or eyes, fatigue, reduced appetite and water intake, and swelling.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk to the public from bird flu outbreaks remains low but officials caution that human infections are possible, as some bird flu strains have previously spread to people.
To prevent the spread of bird flue, San Mateo County advised in a press release that any unusual illnesses or deaths should be reported to a veterinarian or the California Department of Food & Agriculture’s Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-2473. Pet owners who suspect bird flu cases in cats or dogs should consult a veterinarian. Anyone who experiences symptoms of bird flu should consult a doctor.
