Bird flu confirmed in the area

State and local officials have confirmed bird flu has been found in a wild bird in Travis County. As a result, Austin Public Health has issued a public health advisory warning residents to avoid direct contact with wild birds and other animals. To limit exposure, APH advises:

• 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.
• Providers can also contact APH at 512-972-5555 for additional information on testing and treatment.

Sick and dead poultry can be reported to the Texas Animal Health Commission at 1-800-550-8242. Five or more sick and dead waterfowl can be reported to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Spills and Kills Team closest to you or the TPWD 24 Hour Communications Center. And ill or dead birds that are kept as pets should be reported to your veterinarian.