Bird flu detected in backyard Redwood City chicken flock
Bird flu detected in Redwood City backyard
The bird flu has been detected in a Redwood City backyard.
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - Bird flu has been detected in a backyard chicken flock in Redwood City.
San Mateo County’s Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures on Tuesday said there are currently no human cases of the flu, known as H5N1, from this flock, but the discovery of this disease should be a cautionary tale to anyone who handles or lives near the birds – or who has backyard chickens themselves.
Officials reminded poultry owners to wash their hands after handling the birds and clean off their shoes to avoid spreading the disease.
The bird flu has been detected in multiple counties in California.
The disease is mainly spread by wild birds, especially in waterfowl like ducks and geese, and through contact with the virus from hands, shoes, clothing or feet and the fur of rodents and other animals.
Bird flu is highly contagious among birds and often fatal.
Human infections with bird flu viruses are rare, but they can happen when the virus gets into a person's eyes, nose, mouth, or when inhaled. Symptoms in humans can include red eyes, coughing, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, fever, pneumonia and seizures.