Solano Ag Commissioner reports Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza detected in wild birds in Solano County

August 4, 2022

SOLANO COUNTY – The Solano County Agricultural Commissioner has reported that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in wild birds collected in Solano County, including two American White Pelicans and one Mute Swan.  HPAI causes severe illness and mortality in infected birds and may spread from populations of wild waterfowl to domestic poultry.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that bird viruses do not normally affect humans.  As a general precaution, whenever possible, people should avoid contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance. 

Birds infected with the HPAI virus may show one or more of the following signs: 

n  Sudden death without clinical signs
n  Reduced food and water consumption
n  Lethargy

If you notice any of these signs of HPAI in domestic poultry, isolate affected birds and call your veterinarian and/or the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Sick Bird Hotline at 1-866-922-BIRD (2473).  Currently, there are no confirmed cases of HPAI in domestic poultry in California.  To prevent occurrences, the CDFA recommends:

n  Keeping domestic birds in an enclosed area to prevent contact with wild birds
n  Eliminating standing water sources that may be accessed by domestic and wild birds
n  Limiting the number of people who interact with domestic birds
n  Washing hands with soap and water before and after handling birds n  Keeping a separate set of clothes to wear when handling birds or working in poultry coops
n  Disinfecting shoes before and after handling birds and working in coops
n  Cleaning coops regularly and disinfecting equipment (do not share equipment)

HPAI has been detected in 42 states to date in 2022, including locally in Sacramento, Colusa, Glenn and Sonoma counties. Visit the CDFA Animal Health division website by clicking HERE.