Editor: Shannon Cottongame
May 18, 2022
The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a bald eagle located in Bosque County — the second confirmed case in a wild bird in Texas.
The bald eagle, which was symptomatic, was reported to a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) wildlife biologist by a private landowner.
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that transmits easily among wild and domestic bird species. It has been detected in 38 states across the country. Symptoms include diarrhea, incoordination, lethargy, coughing and sneezing and sudden death, though birds infected with HPAI may not always have outward signs of infection.
The virus may spread in a variety of ways, including through contact with infected wild and domestic birds as well as by contaminated equipment, clothing and shoes of caretakers.
Because of the ease of transmission, TPWD recommends facilities with wild or domestic birds enhance their biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of introduction.
Furthermore, the public can assist in interrupting HPAI transmission by limiting all unnecessary contact with wild birds. Wildlife rehabilitators should also remain cautious when intaking wild birds with clinical signs consistent with HPAI and consider quarantining birds to limit the potential for HPAI exposures within the facility.
Currently, the transmission risk of avian influenza from infected birds to people remains low, but the public should take basic protective measures (i.e., wearing gloves, face masks and handwashing) if contact with wild birds cannot be avoided. TPWD recommends contacting the Texas Department of State Health Services for more information on the potential of HPAI to spread to humans and how to reduce your risk of exposure.
Those who locate birds with signs consistent with HPAI should immediately contact their local TPWD wildlife biologist or their Texas Animal Health Commission Region Office.
For more information, visit the United States Department of Agriculture and Texas Animal Health Commission websites.
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