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Texas - Avian influenza in wild birds 2024-2026

Pathfinder

Editor, Senior Moderator
Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: March 29, 2024​

...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Texas Hartley 03/16/2024 03/25/2024 EA/AM H5N1 Blackbird (unidentified) Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality

Texas Hale 03/18/2024 03/25/2024 EA/AM H5N1 Grackle (unidentified) Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality

Texas Hale 03/18/2024 03/25/2024 EA/AM H5N1 Grackle (unidentified) Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality

Texas Hartley 03/16/2024 03/25/2024 EA/AM H5N1 Blackbird (unidentified) Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality

Texas Hale 03/20/2024 03/25/2024 EA/AM H5N1 Pigeon (unidentified) Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality

Texas Waller 03/20/2024 03/25/2024 EA/AM H5N1 Common grackle Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds
 
Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: December 03, 2024
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image.png - Click image for larger version  Name:	image.png Views:	1 Size:	30.3 KB ID:	1001610


...
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds
 
Texas Galveston County: Bird flu case [in wild bird] confirmed in Texas City after infected bird found
December 17, 2025

GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas - The Galveston County Health District (GCHD) confirmed the first case of avian influenza (H5N1), a virus often called "bird flu", was detected in a bird found in Texas City earlier this month.​

The infected bird was reported to Texas City Animal Control on Dec. 5 by a resident who noticed it behaving erratically. Animal Control officers collected the bird and took it to the Animal Resource Center, where it died shortly after arrival. Testing conducted by the Texas Department of State Health Services in Austin confirmed the presence of bird flu.

-snip-

After they came in contact with the infected bird, two Texas City Animal Control officers who responded to the incident developed symptoms. Rapid tests conducted by GCHD returned negative results for H5N1, with follow-up testing by the Houston Laboratory Regional Network also confirming no infection. Two other staff members from the Galveston County Animal Resource Center, who may have been exposed, are being monitored but have not reported any symptoms.

The GCHD is asking residents to be cautious when handling sick or dead birds. Officials recommend contacting local health departments or wildlife agencies for guidance on handling and testing.

Anyone experiencing symptoms within 10 days of exposure to an infected animal should contact a healthcare provider or local health department immediately. Testing and isolation may be necessary based on exposure levels.

https://www.fox26houston.com/news/bird-flu-case-detected-texas-city-infected-bird
 
Health district confirms county's first case of bird flu
December 17, 2024

The Galveston County Health District on Tuesday confirmed the county’s first positive case of avian influenza, which was detected in a bird found in Texas City.​
-snip-
Although the CDC reports the threat to public health is low, two staff members from the Galveston County Animal Resource Center who were potentially exposed by the infected bird are being monitored for symptoms, according to the health district.
-snip-
The infected bird, which was said to be displaying erratic behavior, was reported by a resident to Texas City Animal Control on Dec. 5. Two Texas City Animal Control officers took the bird to the Galveston County Animal Resource Center, 3412 25th Ave. N in Texas City.

The bird died shortly after its arrival.

The animal control officers began displaying symptoms but rapid tests confirmed through the Houston Laboratory Regional Network were negative, according to the health district.

continued: https://www.galvnews.com/news/free/...cle_d81830d7-8055-5d0a-9996-b1f63da8d231.html
 
Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: December 17, 2024
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method
TexasFreestone11/24/202412/11/2024EA H5Green-winged tealWild birdHunter harvest
TexasFreestone11/24/202412/11/2024EA H5Blue-winged tealWild birdHunter harvest
TexasFreestone11/24/202412/11/2024EA H5Northern shovelerWild birdHunter harvest
TexasFreestone11/24/202412/11/2024EA H5N1Northern shovelerWild birdHunter harvest
TexasFreestone11/24/202412/11/2024EA H5Green-winged tealWild birdHunter harvest
TexasFreestone11/24/202412/11/2024EA H5Green-winged tealWild birdHunter harvest
TexasFreestone11/24/202412/11/2024EA H5Green-winged tealWild birdHunter harvest
TexasFreestone11/24/202412/11/2024EA H5Northern shovelerWild birdHunter harvest
TexasFreestone11/24/202412/11/2024EA H5Green-winged tealWild birdHunter harvest
TexasFreestone11/24/202412/11/2024EA H5Northern shovelerWild birdHunter harvest
TexasFreestone11/24/202412/11/2024EA H5Green-winged tealWild birdHunter harvest
TexasColorado11/22/202412/11/2024EA H5Blue-winged tealWild birdHunter harvest
TexasColorado11/22/202412/11/2024EA H5Blue-winged tealWild birdHunter harvest
TexasColorado11/22/202412/11/2024EA H5Blue-winged tealWild birdHunter harvest
TexasColorado11/22/202412/11/2024EA H5Blue-winged tealWild birdHunter harvest
TexasColorado11/22/202412/11/2024EA H5Green-winged tealWild birdHunter harvest
TexasColorado11/22/202412/11/2024EA H5Green-winged tealWild birdHunter harvest
TexasColorado11/22/202412/11/2024EA H5Green-winged tealWild birdHunter harvest
TexasColorado11/22/202412/11/2024EA H5Blue-winged tealWild birdHunter harvest
TexasColorado11/22/202412/11/2024EA H5Blue-winged tealWild birdHunter harvest
TexasColorado11/22/202412/11/2024EA H5Blue-winged tealWild birdHunter harvest
TexasColorado11/22/202412/11/2024EA H5Blue-winged tealWild birdHunter harvest
TexasColorado11/22/202412/11/2024EA H5Northern pintailWild birdHunter harvest
TexasColorado11/22/202412/11/2024EA H5Northern pintailWild birdHunter harvest
​...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds
 
Source: https://www.khou.com/article/news/l...unty/285-920287d7-4f27-4f83-8e32-5c8489cffe58

'Presumptive' positive case of bird flu found in Harris County
The health department is reporting its first 'presumptive' positive case of Avian Influenza.​
Author: Anne James
Published: 7:38 PM CST December 17, 2024
Updated: 7:38 PM CST December 17, 2024


HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Officials found a "presumptive" positive for H5N1 Avian Influenza, more commonly known as bird flu, in Harris County on Tuesday.

A snow goose in southeast Harris County was tested by the Department of State Health Services in Austin. No human cases of the virus have been reported in Harris County​...
 
Media

Texas Urges Public to Exercise Caution around Wild Birds
December 18, 2024

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) today urged the public to take precautions around wild birds after a patient in Louisiana was hospitalized with a severe case of bird flu.

This is the first time a severe illness from the virus has been reported in the United States.

The announcement was one of several statements issued by public health departments around the country today.

... https://mycanyonlake.com/texas-urges-public-to-exercise-caution-around-wild-birds/
 
Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: December 23, 2024
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method
TexasLynn11/24/202412/19/2024EA H5N1American wigeonWild birdHunter harvest
TexasEl Paso11/30/202412/19/2024EA H5Red-tailed hawkCaptive wild birdMorbidity/Mortality
TexasEl Paso11/29/202412/19/2024EA H5Goose (unidentified)Captive wild birdMorbidity/Mortality
​...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds
 
Source: https://www.fox7austin.com/news/bird-flu-detected-austin-travis-county-texas

Bird flu detected in wild bird within Austin-Travis County: APH
By Elizabeth Evans
Published January 8, 2025 4:57pm CST
FOX 7 Austin

Bird flu has been detected in a wild bird in Austin-Travis County, says APH.
Texas DSHS confirmed the detection after dead birds were found in North Austin earlier this month.
Bird flu is a disease that typically affects wild birds, especially waterfowl, and domestic poultry.

AUSTIN, Texas - Bird flu, or H5N1, has been detected in a wild bird in Austin-Travis County, says Austin Public Health.

APH says that the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed the virus had been detected through testing by an area veterinary lab after dead birds were found in North Austin in early January...


 
CITY OF AUSTIN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: Jan. 08, 2025​


AUSTIN, Texas – Austin Public Health (APH) works closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) who has confirmed bird flu has been detected in a wild bird in Austin-Travis County.   

Dead birds were found in North Austin in early January and were reported to state officials. Tests performed by an area veterinary lab detected the virus.

Bird flu is a disease that typically affects wild birds, especially waterfowl, and domestic poultry. Cases of the virus have been detected in more than 60 people across the U.S., with one death being reported earlier this week.

APH is issuing this public health advisory to remind the public that people who work with infected wild birds, poultry, or dairy cows - or have direct contact during recreational exposure to these animals - are at greater risk for contracting bird flu if exposed to a sick or infected dead animal. 

The best way to protect yourself and others from bird flu is to avoid sources of exposure. That means avoiding direct contact with wild birds and other animals.  Wild animals could potentially be infected with bird flu or other pathogens. Tips to avoid exposure include:
  • Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings, and do not bring sick wild animals into your home. 
  • Keep your pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces. 
  • Avoid uncooked food products such as unpasteurized raw milk or cheeses.
  • If you experience illness after contact with sick or dead birds, please contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.  
  • Providers can also contact APH at 512-972-5555 for additional information on testing and treatment. 
Reporting Sick or Dead Birds
  • To report sick or dead poultry, please contact the Texas Animal Health Commission, 24 hours, at 1-800-550-8242.
  • To report sick or dead waterfowl (5 or more in one place), contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Spills and Kills Team closest to you or the TPWD 24 Hour Communications Center.
  • If you have a sick or dead pet (caged) bird, please contact your veterinarian.
https://www.austintexas.gov/news/st...etected-wild-bird-within-austin-travis-county
 
Source: https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/av...s-dead-ducks-test-positive-at-shopping-center

Avian flu confirmed in NW Austin as dead ducks test positive at shopping center
by Tara BrolleyThu, January 9th 2025 at 1:43 PM

AUSTIN, Texas — Multiple ducks found dead at a shopping center in northwest Austin have tested positive for avian influenza (HPAI), according to preliminary results from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The domestic ducks were recovered from the ponds at the Arboretum Shopping Center. Experts say HPAI has been circulating among wild birds in Texas as they visit their wintering grounds, with recent detections spanning several counties, including Wharton, Galveston, El Paso, Potter, and Harris.​..
 
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Causes Duck Mortalities in Austin Area​
Jan. 9, 2025


AUSTIN — Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed by preliminary test results in multiple domestic ducks recovered at the Arboretum Shopping Center ponds in northwest Austin.

Disease experts indicate HPAI is circulating among wild birds in Texas as waterbirds and waterfowl visit their wintering grounds.

Widespread detections have occurred across Texas with most recent findings in Wharton, Galveston, El Paso, Potter and Harris counties.
-snip-
Because of the ease of transmission, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) recommends wildlife rehabilitators remain cautious when intaking wild animals with clinical signs consistent with HPAI and quarantine animals to limit the potential for HPAI exposure to other animals within the facility.

The public can assist in interrupting HPAI transmission by limiting all unnecessary contact with wild birds, including not feeding or causing waterfowl to congregate in parks. To help combat this outbreak, it is recommended that all bird feeders and bird baths be taken down as these allow birds to congregate and spread disease easily to each other. Do not handle any sick or dead wildlife or allow any pets to consume any wild carcasses.

Additionally, game bird hunters should consider precautions such as:
​-snip-

If you encounter a wild animal with signs consistent with HPAI, contact your local TPWD wildlife biologist.​

https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20250109a
 
January 17, 2025
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza detected in El Paso County

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) officials announced they detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in El Paso County.
-snip-
TPW says they detected HPAI in domestic ducks at a pond northwest of Austin, but officials did not specify where in El Paso County they had detected the disease.
-snip-
continued: https://kvia.com/news/texas/2025/01/17/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-detected-in-el-paso-county/
 
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Causes Black Vulture Mortalities in New Braunfels Area

Feb. 12, 2025

Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030


AUSTIN — Preliminary tests have confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in multiple black vultures recovered at Landa Park in New Braunfels.

Disease experts indicate HPAI is circulating among wild birds in Texas as waterbirds and waterfowl visit their wintering grounds.


Widespread detections have occurred across Texas, with most recent findings in Amarillo, El Paso, Galveston, Harris, Lubbock, Potter, Travis and Wharton counties.

Detected in all states across the U.S., HPAI is a highly contagious zoonotic virus that transmits easily among wild and domestic birds. HPAI can also transmit to mammals including wild mammals and domestic cats. It can spread directly between animals and indirectly through environmental contamination.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) advises wildlife rehabilitators to exercise caution when admitting wild animals showing clinical signs of HPAI and to refrain from admitting any birds exhibiting such symptoms.

The public can assist in interrupting HPAI transmission by limiting all unnecessary contact with wild birds, including the discontinuation of feeding and other activities that cause waterfowl to congregate in parks. In addition, taking down all bird feeders and bird baths is recommended, as these allow birds to congregate, increasing the chance of disease exposure if present. People who choose to leave bird feeders and bird baths out are asked to clean them several times each week with a ten percent bleach solution and watch for signs of disease. Do not handle any sick or dead wildlife or allow any pets to consume any wild carcasses.

Currently, the transmission risk of avian influenza from infected birds to people remains low, but the public should take basic protective measures if contact with wild animals cannot be avoided. The public and health care professionals can find more information about HPAI in humans from the Texas Department of State Health Services. If an individual had contact with an HPAI-positive or suspect animal and develops signs of illness, immediately contact your health care provider and let them know about the exposure.

If you encounter a wild animal with signs consistent with HPAI, contact your local TPWD wildlife biologist.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20250212a
 
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