SPCA Monterey County is working to protect wild and domestic birds from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), a virus that is naturally spread among wild birds worldwide. Commonly affected wild species include ducks, geese, shorebirds, raptors, and corvids. HPAI can also infect domestic poultry such as chickens, turkeys, and pheasants.
In early 2022, the Eurasian H5 strain of HPAI was detected in the United States. On July 14, 2022, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced the first detection of avian influenza H5N1 in California. The virus was detected in two Canada geese and one American white pelican in Colusa and Glenn Counties.
While HPAI has not yet been detected in Monterey County, SPCA Monterey County is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the virus at our shelter and Wildlife Center. These implemented protocols include isolated exam areas, increased personal protective equipment, quarantining high risk species, and various other protocols to ensure the health of all wild and domestic animal patients. We are also recommending that local poultry owners take steps to protect their flocks.
HPAI symptoms in birds can include loss of appetite, lack of vocalization, drop in egg production, coughing, swollen face, respiratory distress, head tilt, incoordination, seizures, diarrhea, paralysis, and sudden death.
SPCA Monterey County is asking our community to help by taking the following steps:
If you see animals exhibiting symptoms: Please call the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Center at 831-264-5427. Please do not bring the bird to us without calling first, and please do not touch the bird. If touching the bird is unavoidable, be sure to wear gloves and a face mask and wash your hands and clothes thoroughly.
If you see a deceased wild animal such as a goose, duck, gull, pelican, raptor, or corvid: Please call the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at 831-649-2870. Please do not touch or handle the bird, and please do not bring the deceased bird to the SPCA Wildlife Center.
If you have chickens, ducks, geese, or other poultry at home: Please follow recommended biosecurity measures to protect your pets. Learn more at www.spcamc.org/hpai.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk associated with this HPAI detection remains low. Bird flu outbreaks are largely an animal health issue.
The SPCA Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is the only full service wildlife rehabilitation center serving Monterey County. We operate under permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Your support is extremely important to us, as we do not receive funding from any federal, state or local government agency. Each year, The SPCA Wildlife Center admits over 2,500 animals for treatment and care.
SPCA Monterey County is your nonprofit, independent, donor-supported humane society that has been serving the animals and people of Monterey County since 1905. The SPCA is not a chapter of any other agency and does not have a parent organization. They shelter homeless, neglected and abused pets and livestock, and provide humane education and countless other services to the community. They are the local agency you call to investigate animal cruelty, rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife, and aid domestic animals in distress.
Online: www.SPCAmc.org
Facebook: /SPCAmc
Instagram: @SPCAmc
Twitter: @SPCAmc
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