Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
Austin Public Health (APH) has announced that the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) confirmed a case of bird flu in a wild bird located in Austin-Travis County. This confirmation follows reports of dead birds found in North Austin earlier this month, which were subsequently tested by a local veterinary laboratory.
Bird flu, known to primarily affect wild birds and domestic poultry, has been detected in over 60 individuals across the United States. The virus recently resulted in one fatality earlier this week.
In response to these developments, APH has issued a public health advisory. The agency emphasizes that those working with infected wild birds, poultry, or dairy cows—or those who come into contact with these animals during recreational activities—face an increased risk of contracting the virus if exposed to sick or deceased animals.
The advisory stresses the importance of avoiding exposure as the most effective protection against bird flu. This includes steering clear of direct contact with wild birds and other animals that may carry the virus or other pathogens. APH advises reporting any sick or dead birds to authorities as part of precautionary measures.
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