The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently verified the existence of a highly pathogenic Eurasian H5 avian influenza (HPAI) in a wild American wigeon in Colleton County, South Carolina, according to a USDA press release.
Since 2016, there have been no confirmed cases of Eurasian H5 HPAI in wild birds in the U.S., and the most recent case of an infected domestic bird was recorded in a commercial turkey flock in South Carolina in 2020.
“The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations,” the press release states.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of HPAI H5 infections to the general population is currently minimal.
Additionally, there have been no cases of the Eurasian H5 virus among humans in the U.S.
Due to the fact that wild birds may be infected with these viruses without appearing sick, the USDA advises people to use gloves when in contact with wild birds.
Individuals who do come into contact with healthy domestic poultry and birds are encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water and to change their clothes prior to any contact with them.
Hunters are also encouraged to clean game birds in the wild when possible and to exercise proper hygiene to avoid the spread of illness.
