SAN MARCOS, Texas — A confirmed case of bird flu has been found in Hays County. The Hays County Health Department (HCHD) received a notification that a dead wild bird from the northwestern area of Hays County tested positive for the avian bird flu, according to a press release from the department.
This latest case in Hays County is the most recent detection in Texas, as the virus has been spreading in wild bird across the state with confirmed cases in Galveston, El Paso, Lubbock, Amarillo and New Braunfels.
There were also confirmed cases of bird flu in ducks at a local shopping center in Austin back in January.
The HCHD believes the risk for the public remains low, as there is no person-to-person spread at this time. But the health department warns that those in contact with wild birds, poultry, dairy cows or have a direct contact with recreational exposure to these animals are at a greater risk of contracting bird flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends avoiding direct contact with wild birds to protect yourself and others from the bird flu.
Tips to protect yourself from the avian bird flu:
Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings, and do not bring sick wild animals into your home.
Keep your pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces.
Avoid uncooked food products such as unpasteurized raw milk or cheeses.
If you experience illness after contact with sick or dead birds, please contact your health care provider for evaluation.
