The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Thursday that it detected Highly Pathogenic Eurasian H5N1 Avian Influenza in three wild birds found at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife reported collecting the birds on July 5 during a mortality event and sent the birds to the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center for testing. The USDA National Veterinary Services confirmed on July 13 that two Canadian geese and one American white pelican were carrying avian influenza H5N1.
“Although avian influenza viruses naturally circulate among waterbirds, the strain of H5N1 currently in circulation in the U.S. and Canada has been causing illness and death in a higher diversity of wild bird species than during previous avian influenza outbreaks,” Fish and Wildlife officials said in a news release.
These are the first cases of H5N1 detected in California, although no local domestic poultry, such as chickens or turkeys, has been shown to be carrying the virus, officials said.
At least 1,825 wild birds have been found carrying H5N1 in 42 states since January, according to compiled data from the USDA. Also, 386 commercial and backyard domestic poultry and mixed-species flocks have been confirmed positive for H5N1 in 36 states.
Fish and Wildlife officials said infection with avian influenza viruses among songbirds, including many common backyard birds, appears to be rare. However, feeding and providing water to wild birds is discouraged, especially in the vicinity of backyard poultry or other captive birds such as ducks, geese, pigeons, doves and parrots. ■