Be mindful and secure your animals and yourself
[ by Mark Reaman ]
While uncommon that the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), more frequently called the bird influenza, is found in mammals, count Gunnison County as a location to be marked with such an uncommon incident. A departed mountain lion discovered near the city of Gunnison on January 15 was evaluated and identified to have HPAI. What that implies is that it is still uncommon for mammals to contract the illness, however it does occur, and it might affect other wildlife and even animals and individuals in the location.
“I think the most important thing for people to remember is that this is first and foremost a disease among bird species. Wherever waterfowl are present, it is expected that HPAI is currently present,” said Southwest Region public info officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife John Livingston. “While we have confirmed a few mammal cases, the concern here is still primarily with wild and domestic bird populations. Transmission to other wild animals most likely happens when they feed on wild birds that are sick or have died from HPAI. It’s also important to note that not every wild animal that does feed on a bird with HPAI will become sick or die.”
As far as human beings, the CPW says HPAI stress can contaminate individuals really seldom however it can occur, so it is necessary to secure yourself. Avoid managing ill or dead birds and keep a range from wildlife. Livingston said anybody managing birds must use personal protective equipment such as rubber or latex gloves. People must not consume wildlife discovered ill or dead.
HPAI has actually already killed countless wild birds in the U.S., consisting of in Colorado. HPAI has actually been especially infectious amongst domestic poultry. Three cases of this bird influenza have actually now been verified in mammals in the state. They consist of the mountain lion discovered near Gunnison, a black bear in Huerfano County and a skunk from Weld County. Other departed mammals are being evaluated. According to the CPW, signs of the illness consist of seizures or circling, basic indications of disease consisting of weak point or absence of responsiveness to human existence, and organ damage consisting of sleeping sickness, liver disease, and pneumonia.
The mountain lion, discovered near Gunnison in a location typical for mountain lion environment, had actually necrosis in the liver and broncho interstitial pneumonia which had been seen in domestic cats with HPAI. “Similar to many local species, mountain lions move through our communities on a regular basis as they travel between seasonal ranges throughout the year,” said CPW location wildlife supervisor Brandon Diamond of Gunnison. “It was only a matter of time before the first HPAI case was confirmed in Gunnison County based on known cases in adjacent counties. While this is an interesting case study with the lion, it’s important to point out that HPAI has been documented previously in a variety of mammals from across the country. In Gunnison County, CPW routinely investigates reports of sick and injured wildlife and is always interested in hearing from the public if they encounter something that doesn’t look quite right.”
CPW is presently focusing security by types, county and season. Once HPAI has actually been verified in a specific types and county, Livingston said the organization will not test extra birds of that types within that county till the next season. “We still appreciate reports of sick and dying birds to help inform us of the extent of an event, but we do not need to test every sick or dead bird,” he explained. “Testing of mammals is on a case by case basis identified by the wildlife officers and biologists who might discover factor to send out an animal in for screening.
“Mammalian cases across the country have included some species such as various bears, foxes, raccoons and bobcats, animals that are also found in Colorado,” stressed Livingston. “It is important to remember that these cases are rare and this issue remains primarily a concern among wild and domestic bird populations. But it’s also important to keep pets away from wildlife at all times, and people should always keep their pets away from dead birds or other animal carcasses.”
