Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

What is it?

Avian influenza, or 'bird flu" is a disease caused by a virus that infects birds, including pets, domestic poultry, and wild birds. The highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza has proved particularly dangerous to people who come in contact with infected birds. The World Health Organization provides statistics on the number of deaths caused by the disease since it first appeared in 1997.

Is it in North America?

As of today, we have no evidence that this strain of bird flu is present in North America in either wild or domestic birds. However, the potential exists for wild migratory birds to carry the virus to North America, or for the virus to be introduced through the legal wild bird pet trade, shipment of goods form overseas, smuggling, or other means. The Service and other agencies of the U.S. government are taking steps for early detection of the disease and to minimize the potential impact of the occurrence of this disease should it reach the United States. Presently all states in CNO are actively involved in planning and monitoring activities as well.

Pacific Flyway Surveillance and Early Detection System

The Service in conjunction with state wildlife agencies are now conducting an extensive surveillance program on the Pacific Flyway. Sampling of live and hunter killed wild birds began in early June on the breeding grounds in Alaska. The program is being expanded to the entire Pacific Flyway and will be in operation in California, Oregon, and Nevada beginning in late July upon the return of migratory birds from Alaska and Canada.

Reporting Dead Birds in California, Nevada, or Oregon

Where to report sick/dead birds or groups of sick/dead birds. All sick or dead birds found on a National Wildlife Refuge in California, Nevada, and Oregon should be reported to the local refuge office.

California

Individual sick or injured birds in the wild should be left untouched where they are found and be reported to the local CDFG office and/or wildlife rehabilitation centers: Except for unusual circumstances, callers will be referred to a wildlife rehabilitator. A list of rehabilitators is available on the website.
Dead wild birds numbering four or less should be reported to the West Nile Virus Hotline at 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1 877-968-2473).
Groups of sick or dead wild birds, defined as five or more, should be reported to the nearest local DFG office (see numbers below) or 24hr DFG dispatch at 888-DFG_CALTip (1 888-334-2258)

Local CDFG Office for Reporting 5 or more dead birds observed over short period of time (at once or 2-3days)

Northern California-North Coast Region	(530)225-2300
Sacramento Valley-Central Sierra Region	(916) 358-2900
Central Coast Region	(707) 944-5500
San Jouquin Valley-Southern Sierra Region	(559) 243-4005
South Coast Region	(858) 467-4201
Eastern Sierra-Inland Desert Region	(562) 590-5132
Bishop Office	(760) 872-1171
Eureka Office	(707) 445-6493

Any domestically reared sick birds or dead birds should be reported to either the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) hotline at 1-800-491-1899 or the USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) at 1-866-4-USDA-WS.

Nevada

Any sick or dead wild birds should be reported to the Nevada Department of Agriculture, Nevada West Nile Hotlines at (775)-688-1182. For Southern Nevada including Clark County Call (702) 759-1220.

Any domestically reared sick birds or dead birds should be reported to either the Nevada Department of Agriculture at (775)-688-1182 or USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) at 1-866-4-USDA-WS.

Oregon

If you find a sick or dead bird, it should be reported to the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife 541-231-9271.

Any domestically reared sick birds or dead birds should be reported to either the Oregon Department of Agriculture at 503-986-4680 or USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) at 1-866-4-USDA-WS

Updates on avian influenza monitoring

Avian Infuenza Updates from National Wildlife Health Center
Wildlife Health Center, University of California - Davis

What you should know about avian influenza:

Information on what you should know about avian flu and hunting, backyard flocks, wild bird feeders, pet owners, park birds and ducks, wildlife rehabilitators is available from the Service's avian flu website, the California Department of Fish and Game, and Nevada Department of Wildlife . Information is also available from the following government resources:

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