Missouri Sees First Positive Bird Flu Case Without Known Animal Contact

What is bird flu?

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a contagious viral infection that can affect birds. The virus can cause a range of symptoms in birds, from mild respiratory illness to severe disease and death.

How is bird flu spread?

Bird flu is spread through contact with infected birds or their bodily fluids. The virus can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?

The symptoms of bird flu in humans can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Mild cases may only cause mild respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, sore throat, and fever. More severe cases can cause pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and even death.

How is bird flu treated?

There is no specific treatment for bird flu. Treatment is supportive and may include antiviral medications, oxygen therapy, and mechanical ventilation.

What is the outlook for people with bird flu?

The outlook for people with bird flu depends on the severity of the infection. Mild cases usually resolve within a few days or weeks. More severe cases can be fatal.

How can I prevent bird flu?

There are a number of things you can do to prevent bird flu, including:

• Avoid contact with sick birds or their bodily fluids.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly.
• Get vaccinated against the flu.

Missouri sees first positive bird flu case without known animal contact

The Missouri Department of Agriculture has confirmed the state's first positive case of bird flu in a wild bird without known contact with domestic poultry. The bird, a Canada goose, was found dead in St. Louis County on March 14, 2023.

The virus strain detected in the goose is H5N1, which is the same strain that has been causing outbreaks in poultry and wild birds across the United States and Europe in recent months.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate the case and determine the source of the infection. The department is also working to prevent the spread of the virus to other birds and poultry.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is advising people to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and to report any sightings of sick or dead birds to the department.

What does this mean for Missourians?

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is urging Missourians to take precautions to prevent the spread of bird flu, including:

• Avoid contact with sick or dead birds.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly.
• Get vaccinated against the flu.

Missourians should also be aware that the virus can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. If you come into contact with a sick or dead bird, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

What is the Missouri Department of Agriculture doing to prevent the spread of bird flu?

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate the case and determine the source of the infection. The department is also working to prevent the spread of the virus to other birds and poultry.

The department is urging Missourians to take precautions to prevent the spread of bird flu, including avoiding contact with sick or dead birds, washing their hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding touching their eyes, nose, or mouth, cooking poultry and eggs thoroughly, and getting vaccinated against the flu.

What is the Missouri Department of Conservation doing to prevent the spread of bird flu?

The Missouri Department of Conservation is advising people to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and to report any sightings of sick or dead birds to the department.

The department is also working with the Missouri Department of Agriculture to investigate the case and determine the source of the infection.