Outdoors in Sun Country

In early January, it was announced that Avian Influenza (AI) was suspected to have caused the deaths of about 200 snow geese found Monday in the greater Allentown area.

Preliminary in-state testing indicated the presence of highly pathogenic AI (HPAI). While results are yet to be confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at their National Veterinary Services Laboratories, HPAI is presumed to be the cause of these mortality events.

The situation is ongoing, as sick wild birds were also observed at both locations.

As hundreds of thousands of waterfowl continue to migrate through Pennsylvania, and in light of HPAI currently affecting many parts of the state, the Pennsylvania Game Commission restricted public access at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, effective Tuesday, Feb. 4.

With the continued warming trends and the anticipated arrival of snow geese to Middle Creek, the agency stated that this decision was made “out of an abundance of caution for human and domestic animal health.”

Beginning this week, the following areas will be closed to all public access:

– Willow Point Parking Lot and Trail

– Archery Range

– Boat Launch

– White Oak Picnic Area

– All shoreline access of the lake, including fishing.

Wildlife Drive remains seasonally closed, and an extended closure is possible. As for hiking trails, Willow Point Trail and Deer Path Trail are closed, but the remainder of the hiking trails and the visitor center will remain open during regular business hours, and all events will take place as scheduled.

All visitors are reminded:

– If you have pet birds, backyard domestic poultry, or connections with commercial poultry facilities, you are strongly discouraged to visit during this time to minimize transmission risk.

– You are highly advised to remain in your vehicles while observing wildlife from roadways.

Since the beginning of the U.S. outbreak in January 2022, HPAI has impacted wild and domestic birds in every state. Wild waterfowl and shorebirds are considered natural reservoirs for avian influenza viruses. While infected birds may shed the virus in their feces and saliva despite appearing healthy, HPAI can lead to sickness or death in raptors (hawks, eagles), avian scavengers (crows, gulls, ravens), other waterfowl species (ducks, geese) and wild poultry (turkey, grouse). Clinical signs of infection in wild birds are often non-specifi, but may include neurological dysfunction such as circling, head tilting and difficulty flying.

HPAI is particularly contagious and lethal to domestic poultry. HPAI does not appear to have significantly impacted wild bird populations; however, it does have the potential to significantly affect the commercial poultry industry and international trade.

The Game Commission continues to work with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the USDA, the Wildlife Futures Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and the Pennsylvania Animal

Diagnostic Laboratory System to monitor for HPAI in wild and domestic bird populations throughout the Commonwealth.

Because avian influenza viruses are naturally occurring and ever-present in wild birds, preventing or controlling HPAI in wild populations is not feasible. However, safeguards can be taken to protect domestic birds or wild birds held in captivity. Owners should always prevent contact between their birds and wild birds to prevent the spread of disease. Pennsylvanians who care for captive wild birds, domestic backyard poultry or are involved in commercial poultry operations should review their biosecurity plans to protect their flocks.

While HPAI can potentially infect humans, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared that the current HPAI outbreak is primarily an animal health issue that poses low risk to the health of the general public. Common sense practices will help reduce the risk that you or other humans/animals under your care get sick from wildlife.

Always observe wildlife from a safe distance. Avoid contacting surfaces that may be contaminated with feces from wild or domestic birds. Do not handle wildlife unless you are hunting, trapping or otherwise authorized to do so.

Waterfowl hunters are encouraged to continue participating in the remaining season but should take precautions while handling and dressing birds. These include wearing nitrile gloves, protective eye wear and a mask. Following any hunt, make a point to practice good hygiene, including washing hands and any clothing used in the process of dressing game that may contain blood or feces. Finally, never handle wildlife that is sick or displaying signs of sickness. Instead, report it to the Game Commission.

More information about Avian Influenza is available through the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc. pa.gov) > Wildlife > Wildlife Health > Wildlife Diseases > Avian Influenza.

Please remember the public plays a critical role in wildlife health surveillance. Report sick or dead wild birds to the Game Commission by calling 1-833-PGC-WILD (1- 833-742-9453). Any sick or dead domestic birds should be reported to Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717- 772-2852. If you have had contact with sick or dead birds and are not feeling well, contact your primary care physician or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724- 3258.

Read more at https://news.thesunontheweb.com/articles/outdoors-in-sun-country-40/