TWRA urges precautions on bird flu

Avian flu cases are sprouting around the country. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency reminded hunters this month to remain "vigilant" for cases of the virus when handling wild birds. The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as a type of "bird flu," is a highly contagious disease that spreads among wild birds and poultry. Backyard flocks of birds and dairy cattle that encounter outdoor populations are also at risk of infection. The virus can cause severe sickness and even death in poultry populations, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Domestic poultry can be indirectly infected by the virus when the farm environment is contaminated through feed, equipment or clothes. Government agencies also say viral spread is largely due to migratory birds. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says public health risk due to the virus is low. Human cases of bird flu are sporadic, according to the CDC, and occur in people who work with dairy and poultry. There have been 71 confirmed cases of bird flu in humans across the U.S. since 2024. No cases of bird flu in any population have been confirmed in Tennessee as of Dec. 22. "I am hearing reports out of Arkansas and Mississippi of snow geese infected with HPAI," said Jamie Feddersen, TWRA migratory gamebird coordinator, in a news release on Dec. 11. "I would recommend anyone handling a wild duck or goose to be mindful and use safety precautions." Signs of HPAI in bird populations include sudden death, misshapen eggs, drops in egg production, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, stumbling and lack of energy and appetite. The TWRA is encouraging homeowners to stop feeding birds and cover bird baths if dead birds are found until "this wildlife mortality event subsides." Feed should also be cleaned up. Feeders and bird baths should be cleaned with a 10% bleach solution, the agency said. It also encouraged hunters to take precautions that would mitigate viral spread like dressing game birds in the field, double bagging waste, changing outer layers of clothing before entering poultry facilities and washing clothing and boots as soon as possible to prevent spread. People who make contact with dead or dying birds are also encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water and change clothing before making contact with other birds. The TWRA is encouraging residents to report dead or dying birds at its website to support the agency's efforts to detect and monitor the disease. The TWRA's sick bird reporting system is accessible online at https://www.tn.gov/twra/sick-birds.html.