A Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, is still spreading among wild birds, poultry, and some mammals in the United States and Canada, including New York. Wildlife and health officials say the disease can seriously affect birds and flocks, but the risk to most people is low if basic precautions are taken.

HPAI is caused by highly contagious influenza-A viruses, most notably the H5N1 strain, which is currently present in North America. According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center, this strain was first detected in North American wild birds in late 2021 and has since been confirmed in thousands of wild birds across more than 160 species, particularly waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors that migrate along major flyways. The virus has also been detected in domestic poultry and, more rarely, in mammals such as foxes, skunks, cats, and dairy cattle, largely through contact with infected birds or contaminated environments, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

It can be hard to spot HPAI in wild birds. Some infected birds look healthy, but others may lose balance, twist their heads, tremble, or have trouble flying. They might also have breathing problems, seem tired, have diarrhea, or die suddenly. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says that groups of dead waterfowl or shorebirds, especially in wetlands, along shorelines, or in farm fields, are often the clearest sign of the disease.

For birdwatchers, hikers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts, officials stress that enjoying wildlife from a distance remains safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to classify the current risk to the general public as low. However, people are advised not to touch sick or dead birds or mammals and to keep pets away from wildlife carcasses. Hunters should harvest only healthy-appearing game, wear gloves while field dressing, wash hands thoroughly afterward, and clean equipment carefully, guidance echoed by both the CDC and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Backyard birders are encouraged to stay informed about local conditions. During periods of increased HPAI activity, wildlife agencies may recommend temporarily removing bird feeders to prevent birds from congregating and spreading the virus more easily. Good hygiene — including washing hands after outdoor activities and changing footwear that may have contacted contaminated areas — further reduces risk.

Reporting suspected cases plays an important role in monitoring and managing HPAI. In New York, the DEC asks residents to report sightings of sick or dead wild birds or mammals, especially when multiple animals are involved, through its online reporting system. Similar reporting mechanisms exist across the U.S. and Canada, and timely reports help wildlife biologists track outbreaks and respond appropriately.

While HPAI remains a serious challenge for wildlife and agriculture, experts agree that informed public awareness is one of the most effective tools for limiting its impacts. By staying alert, avoiding direct contact with wildlife, and promptly reporting unusual findings, residents can help protect bird populations, support farmers, and ensure that outdoor recreation remains both safe and enjoyable.

Gotta Love the Outdoors.

Outdoors Calendar

Feb. 7: Lakeshore Long-beards NWTF Banquet, White Inn, 5 p.m. doors open, 6:30 p.m. dinner, live auction, raffles, annual youth event fund-raiser; Info: Robert Turk, 716-673-6703; https://events.nwtf.org/EVT-20816.

Feb. 10: Children in the Stream, Youth Fly Fishing program, free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center, SUNY Fredonia, 7-8:30 p.m., 12yrs old and older, info: 716-410-7003 (Alberto Rey).

Feb. 11: Lyme WNY, monthly meeting, 6-8 p.m., East Seneca Fire Hall, 100 Lein Rd., West Seneca, NY; visit https://www.lymewny.com.

Feb. 12-16: Birds on the Niagara International Bird Festival, visit https:/www.bird-niagara.org/.

Feb. 13-16: Great Backyard Bird Count, a global citizen science event. Visit Merlin Bird ID online.