Bird Flu, or also called Avian influenza, is caused by a virus that has several strains, some of which are more dangerous than others. Bird Flu is normally found in swans, geese, ducks, and others in the species of migratory waterfowl.

These birds can carry AI without getting sick. As they migrate, they spread the disease to other bird species as well as within their own colony.

According to The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, the strain currently being transmitted is a highly pathogenic form of H5N1, which has global agriculture trade impacts for the United States and can have severe impacts on susceptible birds of many species. While waterfowl can carry and shed this virus without any symptoms, birds like domestic chickens and raptors get severe illness and rapidly die. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is spread in the feces and respiratory secretions of infected birds and can be easily transmitted on objects contaminated with virus particles. The virus is tough and can survive cold and freezing temperatures, as well as survive in aquatic environments.

This avian influenza does not pose any risk to humans, and there are no human cases of avian influenza viruses in the United States. But the virus can be deadly in some birds.

The Raptor Center is closely monitoring our local wildlife populations for positive cases of avian influenza and working with other organizations to better understand the current outbreak and help guide the response.

Researchers recommend removing bird feeders and taking steps in discouraging bird gatherings at bird baths.

Hummingbird feeders are not without risk. However, they  would pose the lowest risk as they tend to have a much more limited group of birds visiting them.  In areas with substantial HPAI transmission consider pausing or, if you continue to use them, clean them on a daily basis to further reduce risk.

Source: The Raptor Center ( University of Minnesota)

Additional Resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avian_influenza

https://raptor.umn.edu/about-us/our-research/HPAI

• Today is International Polar Bear Day
  International Polar Bear Day on February 27 raises awareness on the issues facing polar bears and the ways in which we can reduce our carbon … Today is International Polar Bear Day 0 0 votes Article Rating Rod WashingtonRod is a blogger, writer, filmmaker, photographer, daydreamer who likes to cook. Rod produces and directs the… Read more: Today is International Polar Bear Day
• 
  Scientists discover what was on the menu of the first dinosaurs
  The earliest dinosaurs included carnivorous, omnivorous and herbivorous species, according to a team of University of Bristol palaeobiologists.
• 
  Can Shifting Social Norms Help Mitigate Climate Change?
  Newswise — Climate change is the result of many human activities, from carbon emissions to deforestation, and it will take multiple and varied interventions to mitigate it, including legislation, regulation, and market-based solutions implemented at local, national, and global levels. Demand-side factors, such as changes in social norms, can also help by creating political pressure… Read more: Can Shifting Social Norms Help Mitigate Climate Change?
• 
  URI Prof. Isaac Ginis’ Team Is Making Dramatic Improvements in Storm Damage Prediction
  “I don’t predict a hurricane season. If a hurricane makes landfall near where you live, that is an active season for you,” says URI Professor of Oceanography Isaac Ginis. Yet predicting the severity of a hurricane can mean the difference between life and death, which is why Ginis makes it his business to predict the… Read more: URI Prof. Isaac Ginis’ Team Is Making Dramatic Improvements in Storm Damage Prediction
• 
  Stone spheres could be from Ancient Greek board game
  Archaeologists from the University of Bristol have suggested that mysterious stone spheres found at various ancient settlements across the Aegean and Mediterranean could be playing pieces from one of the earliest ever board games.

Rod Washington

Rod is a blogger, writer, filmmaker, photographer, daydreamer who likes to cook. Rod produces and directs the web series, CUPIC: Diary of an Investigator. He is also the editor, producer and administrator of STM Daily News, a part of the TNC Network.

tnc.network/blog-2/