Florida Wildlife Hospital Confirms Positive Cases of Avian Influenza, Taking Extra Precautions to Protect Patients

stop the spread of avian influenza

BREVARD COUNTY • FLORIDA — The Florida Wildlife Hospital said on January 5 that they have confirmed positive cases of birds with avian influenza.

“The Florida Wildlife Hospital is taking the extra precautions to protect patients, and education ambassadors, and staff,” said an official via social media.

“Taking extra steps with disinfecting your shoes, properly cleaning your bird feeders, and protecting your pets can help stop the spread of avian influenza in your area.”

Read more about Avian Influenza at Brevard’s #1 FREE News Source

According to Florida Wildlife Hospital sources, unlike the seasonal influenza viruses, bird flu doesn’t attack the cell receptors that predominate in a person’s upper airways.

Instead, it prefers “avian-type receptors” deep in the lungs and the mucus membranes around the eyes, which explains why many recent human cases have presented as conjunctivitis.

“It’s not actually very good at infecting people,” says the source. “What we typically have seen is a lot of viral exposure in order to be infected.”

Florida Wildlife Hospital wants to be a place of resources for the public during this time and suggests the links below for some helpful tips, resources, and Q&A:

● FWC Recommended Precautions and Where to Report Dead Birds

● American Veterinary Medical Association, Avian Influenza in Pets and Backyard Flocks

● NPR Bird Flu Q&A

● Audubon Keeping Bird Feeders Disease-Free 

Read more about Avian Influenza at Brevard’s #1 FREE News Source

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