Early January, bird flu was confirmed in dead birds tested by Texas officials.
Individuals who come into direct contact with infected birds, poultry, or dairy cows are at a higher risk of contracting bird flu, according to Austin health officials.
Officials in Texas confirmed on Wednesday that HPAI or bird flu has been detected in Austin-Travis County after testing was done on dead birds found in North Austin earlier this month.
The virus was detected in the deceased birds through tests conducted by a local veterinary lab, according to the Austin Public Health Department and Texas Department of State Health Services.
The advisory issued by Austin Public Health on Wednesday emphasized that individuals who handle infected wild birds, poultry, or dairy cows are more likely to contract the virus if they come into contact with a sick or deceased animal.
Over 60 human cases of bird flu have been reported in the U.S., although the disease typically affects wild birds and domestic poultry.
The patient in Louisiana who was hospitalized with the first human case of bird flu passed away on Monday, as per the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH).
The patient, who was over 65 and had underlying medical conditions, was reported by the agency.
Last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that a patient was found to have a mutated version of the virus, suggesting that bird flu could potentially spread from human to human.
The risk to the public remains low, as both the CDC and the LDH agree.
Those who come in contact with birds, poultry, or cows are at a higher risk of contracting the virus, officials warned.
According to the CDC, as of Friday, there were 66 confirmed human cases of bird flu, with 37 in California, 11 in Washington state, and 10 in Colorado.
Around 40 of the cases were related to exposure to cattle herds.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development states that avian influenza is a highly contagious virus that can spread through contact with infected animals, equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.
If you encounter a sick or deceased bird, contact the Texas Animal Health Commission at 800-550-8242. Additionally, if you have a sick or deceased pet bird, seek medical attention from a veterinarian.
Planet Chronicle Digital’s Louis Casiano contributed to this report.
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