Confirmed: Dead Ducks At Lake Have Avian Flu – The Tribune Papers

Ducks at lake Louise might have Avian Flu. Photo by Clint Parker.

Weaverville The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission District Biologist recently announced the detection of Avian Influenza (Flu) in two ducks found deceased at Lake Louise in Weaverville, triggering worries among both the local populace and officials. This development, communicated through a town press release, has heightened awareness and concern regarding the potential implications of the diseases presence in the local wildlife population. The confirmation of Avian Flu in these waterfowl has underscored the importance of vigilance and preventive measures to mitigate any possible spread of the virus, reflecting the seriousness with which local authorities are approaching the situation.

Last month, the Tribune reported that residents were concerned with the number of deceased ducks at the lake. Weaverville Town Manager Selena Coffey told the Tribune last month it was more than likely people feeding the ducks, which is against the town ordinance, but that dead duck had been sent off for testing. The ducks, found on January 26 and subsequently sent for testing, tested positive for the avian flu virus, prompting District Biologist Justin McVey to issue a cautionary advisory.

McVey highlighted the important distinction that, despite Avian Flus presence in infected waterfowl and water sources, it does not pose an immediate threat to human health. However, he voiced a strong caution regarding the significant danger it presents to domestic poultry populations, encompassing not only commercial operations but also backyard flocks and various other waterfowl species. He pointed out the particularly alarming aspect of the diseaseits potential to be fatal for poultry that contract it. This underlines the critical need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent the spread of the Avian Flu within these vulnerable bird populations, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the poultry industry at large.

The discovery of Avian Influenza in waterfowl, while alarming, aligns with expectations within the scientific and agricultural communities. McVey elucidated that its not uncommon for infected birds to show no outward symptoms of the illness, effectively making them silent carriers of the virus. These carriers have the potential to spread the disease to new locations. This transmission occurs through the excretion of fecal matter or oral discharges, especially during their migration periods. Such a mode of dissemination underscores the challenges in tracking and controlling the spread of Avian Influenza, as these asymptomatic carriers can introduce the virus to previously unaffected areas and populations, posing a significant risk to both wild and domestic bird species.

For those seeking additional information and guidance on Avian Influenza, the USDA APHIS website offers comprehensive resources and guidance at the QR code below.

In light of these developments, the public is strongly advised against handling wild birds suspected of carrying Avian Influenza. Instead, individuals encountering sick waterfowl or domestic poultry are urged to promptly report their observations to the North Carolina Wildlife Helpline at (866) 318-2401, available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, or via email at HWI@ncwildlife.org.

Any instances of sick or dying captive birds should also be reported to local veterinarians, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Science (NCDA&CS) Veterinary Division at (919) 707-3250, or the North Carolina Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System at (919) 733-3986. Such proactive measures are essential in containing the spread of Avian Influenza and safeguarding both wildlife and domestic poultry populations from its adverse effects.

Read more from the original source:

Confirmed: Dead Ducks At Lake Have Avian Flu - The Tribune Papers