Infectious Avian Flu Confirmed In Florida Wild Birds

FLORIDA ? A highly infectious strain of bird flu has been detected in wild birds in several Florida counties, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The FWC said it's investigating bird deaths in Brevard, Indian River and Volusia counties believed to be caused by the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain.

The bird flu strain was recently found in black vultures and other avian species in those counties.

This strain has been documented in the United States since 2021 and was detected in hunter-harvested blue-winged teal in Palm Beach County in January, authorities said.

To prevent the spread of bird flu, wildlife experts advise the public to avoid handling sick or dead wildlife, prevent domestic birds from coming into contact with wild birds, and report wild bird deaths to wildlife officials so deaths can be investigated.

Because this strain of bird flu is not treatable and is easily transmitted in wild birds, some wildlife rehabilitation workers may not accept these animals at this time, officials said.

Wildlife experts said there is a low risk of bird flu transmission to humans and that, to date, there have been no known human infections in North America.