Submitted by Florida Fish and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) continues to monitor bird mortalities suspected to be attributed to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza — a rather hearty strain of bird flu — throughout Florida. This strain has been documented in the United States since 2021 and was detected for the first time in Florida in January 2022.
The FWC has documented the virus in 37 counties and a variety of bird species. The most common species affected in Florida include black vultures, lesser scaup and Muscovy ducks. Owls, bald eagles and other raptors, along with aquatic birds and waterfowl, have also been affected. Hens and chickens have also been affected, which has had a hand in egg supply, and the retail price of eggs jumping.
There is a low risk of HPAI transmission to humans, which can be minimized by following basic safety protocols. To prevent the spread of HPAI, the public should avoid handling sick or dead wildlife, prevent contact of domestic birds with wild birds and report wild bird mortalities to the FWC. and wildlife rehabbers can be found at MyFWC.com/AvianInfluenza.
The FWC advises that, because HPAI is not treatable and is easily transmitted in wild birds, some wildlife rehabbers may not accept these animals. Information regarding carcass disposal is available through the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.
For more information, check out website for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (MyFWC.com/AvianInfluenza) and Florida Department of Health (FloridaHealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/index.html)
