AUSTIN, Texas –  Austin Public Health (APH) works closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) who has confirmed bird flu has been detected in a wild bird in Austin-Travis County.     

Dead birds were found in North Austin in early January and were reported to state officials. Tests performed by an area veterinary lab detected the virus.

Bird flu is a disease that typically affects wild birds, especially waterfowl, and domestic poultry. Cases of the virus have been detected in more than 60 people across the U.S., with one death being reported earlier this week.

APH is issuing this public health advisory to remind the public that people who work with infected wild birds, poultry, or dairy cows - or have direct contact during recreational exposure to these animals - are at greater risk for contracting bird flu if exposed to a sick or infected dead animal. 

The best way to protect yourself and others from bird flu is to avoid sources of exposure. That means avoiding direct contact with wild birds and other animals.  Wild animals could potentially be infected with bird flu or other pathogens. Tips to avoid exposure include:

• Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings, and do not bring sick wild animals into your home. 
• Keep your pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces. 
• Avoid uncooked food products such as unpasteurized raw milk or cheeses.
• If you experience illness after contact with sick or dead birds, please contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.  
• Providers can also contact APH at 512-972-5555 for additional information on testing and treatment. 

Reporting Sick or Dead Birds

• To report sick or dead poultry, please contact the Texas Animal Health Commission, 24 hours, at 1-800-550-8242.
• To report sick or dead waterfowl (5 or more in one place), contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Spills and Kills Team closest to you or the TPWD 24 Hour Communications Center.
• If you have a sick or dead pet (caged) bird, please contact your veterinarian.