What is the Latest on Bird Flu?

Bird flu (H5N1) is in the news again and for good reason. Although the number of cases in humans is still relatively low, it is on the rise. In most cases bird flu in humans is uncomfortable, but not deadly, however there was one death associated with it last year. Unlike other diseases that have been in the news recently, bird flu, so far, has not been transmitted from person to person. So how do you get it? There are a couple of ways, but the most common is being in contact with infected birds or their excrement. So what can you do to keep your family safe?

First, carefully consider your interactions with wild birds. Do you have wild birds roosting in your eves of your home? In the past you might have simply thought of them as a nuisance, but they are actually much worse than that. Even withstanding the bird flu, the excrement from birds poses serious health risks. Birds are known to transmit a number of different diseases including Psittacosis, Salmonella and Cryptococcosis. Bird excrement is also acidic enough to dissolve paint, erode metal, and cause concrete and stonework to crumble. Removing birds is important for the safety of your house as well as the people in it.

Although birds may be beautiful, they do not belong in that close of a proximity to you and your family. Have you put off removing birds because you are a bird lover at heart and don’t want to see them harmed? If so, Bird Solutions by Cowleys can help. We have the experience that allows us to not only humanely remove the birds, but also be able to “bird-proof” your home to dramatically reduce the chance of a future re-infestation. These bird proofing measures are often well placed so that they are not noticeable to you or other people looking at your home. The reason it is important to have your bird situation remediated in a timely manner is when the birds are gone from your immediate home area you are less likely to come in contact with bird flu.

If you do come in contact with a wild bird, its excrement, or its carcass, there are a few important steps you should take. Wear protective clothing. At the very least, try to wear disposable rubber gloves if you are dealing with wild birds. If possible, try to wear safety goggles and a mask as well. Bird flu can get into the air as droplets and dust, so taking these extra precautions, if possible, is a good idea. Even if you have worn protective clothing, do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth before you have had a chance to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water. If you want to report a dead wild birds to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, their hotline is 1-877-WARNDEP.

Unfortunately, even a healthy looking bird could be carrying bird flu so take precautions during any encounters.