Avian Flu is Affecting Wildlife

Have you ever heard of avian influenza (a.k.a. bird flu)? If not, let me take you on a journey to find the cause of the recent surge in dying birds and other wildlife. 

It all started in late 2021. An outbreak of bird flu started to become very fatal to birds: specifically, sea birds. However, not only wildlife is being drastically affected by bird flu. Domesticated birds such as chickens and turkeys are experiencing the lethal disease.  Researchers believe that the virus’s most recent mutations may have enlarged its ability to harm a wider range of species, and the highly widespread virus has made the cost for chicken and turkey meat go up. Other animals, such as wild dogs, foxes, and seals, are now being infected by this plague. 

You may be asking, what is so unusual about this outbreak? Well, bird flu is a malady that has been known for about a century. Usually, it comes and goes throughout the seasons. However, the 2021 outbreak had a devastating impact. Millions of birds were killed by the disease, according to Audubon Magazine. Since 2021, 11 humans have also been infected by the ailment, according to the CDC. 

One of the ways a human can be infected is when their pets go outside and become infected, which can then infect the owner through direct contact.  Although the situation is highly unlikely, it doesn't mean it’s impossible. For example, if a person has a cat or a dog and their pet is exposed to infection, or to birds killed by the avian influenza, they can still get infected. On the other hand, the most likely way of someone getting infected is when they were exposed to sick birds. But do not worry. These cases have been very rare. 

This is a heartbreaking situation for bird-lovers, and may be shocking for you. So how do we put a stop to the virus? Although it will be unlikely for the virus to go away completely, we can decrease the number of animals being affected by this flu. Several authorities have encouraged people to take down bird feeders to avoid the risk of infection from many birds gathering. This is only one of the ways you could help. 

And  remember: washing your hands can go a long way!