NVBA NEWS BLOG
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Avian Influenza in Ducks in and near Virginia
Several dead ducks have been found in and around Virginia to have avian influenza (AI). These birds include a Green-winged Teal in Virginia Beach, a Lesser Scaup in Kent County Maryland, and 17 ducks of several species in North Carolina.
Photo: Mallard, Northern Pintail, American Widgeon, Steve Lefkovits
Several dead ducks have been found in and around Virginia to have avian influenza (AI). These birds include a Green-winged Teal in Virginia Beach, a Lesser Scaup in Kent County Maryland, and 17 ducks of several species in North Carolina.
The recent detections of a Eurasian strain of AI in these wild birds serve as an early warning system for people in the U.S. to look for groups of dead or sick waterfowl and to protect poultry and pet birds from AI.
If you encounter sick or dead birds in Virginia, please submit an event report here. If you must remove dead birds, wear gloves and a mask, and place birds in a sealable plastic bag to dispose with household trash. (Note: This AI has not been shown to be harmful to humans.)
If you want to track recent reports, you can visit here.
The version of avian influenza we are experiencing is often called Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or H5N1, referring to just one of many types of AI. H5 is a highly transmissible form among birds.
AI has the potential to infect humans, but there are few cases among humans so far, and none were serious that we know of. People in close proximity to poultry (mostly chickens and ducks) are most at risk, but we discourage handling of any dead birds without the use of gloves and a mask.
Wintering Waterbirds Program with Friends of Dyke Marsh
Join the friends of Dyke Marsh (FODM) on October 20th at 7:00 PM on Zoom for Greg Butcher’s presentation on wintering waterbirds. Read on for more information!
Photo: Great Blue Heron, Mary-Catherine Miguez/Audubon Photography Awards
Join the friends of Dyke Marsh (FODM) on October 20th at 7:00 PM on Zoom for Greg Butcher’s presentation on wintering waterbirds. Mr. Butcher will introduce the diversity of waterbirds that spend the winter in Northern Virginia and explain the difference between waterbirds and waterfowl. He will also review citizen science studies and conservation needs for birds and people along the Potomac River.
Greg Butcher
Greg Butcher is Vice President of ASNV and Migratory Species Coordinator for the U.S. Forest Service’s International Programs.
Click here to view the event flyer and register for this event!