Bird flu, or H5N1, has been detected in two cases in San Mateo County, California. The first case involved a stray cat found with the virus, while the second case was confirmed in a backyard poultry flock. Officials are warning residents who keep chickens and other birds to take precautions to prevent the disease from spreading.
Health officials have reported a nationwide outbreak of bird flu, affecting 10.7 million birds across 84 commercial and backyard flocks. The virus has also been detected on dozens of dairy farms. While human cases are rare, one person died from bird flu in Louisiana, highlighting the need for caution.
Symptoms of avian influenza include loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, and neurological signs such as circling, tremors, seizures, or blindness. Residents are advised to wash hands before and after handling birds and disinfect footwear to reduce the risk of transmission.
Experts stress that simple actions can prevent the spread of bird flu. “It’s essential for residents to protect their flock and themselves from H5N1,” said Koren Widdel, San Mateo County’s agricultural commissioner.
Source: https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/bird-flu-san-mateo-county-20152903.php