Sumner Newscow report — The following is a press release sent by the Sumner County Health Department.

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We have met with the City of Wellington to discuss the suspected outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Even though the public health risk remains low, one of our responsibilities is to provide education and coordinate a response to protect the public’s health. Below, we provide guidance on what to do if you encounter a dead or sick bird, along with links to informational websites on the topic.

If you find dead or sick birds:

• • • Do not touch them with your bare hands. If you do so accidentally, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
    • Leave sick birds alone. Capturing them and taking them to a vet, zoo or wildlife rehabilitation center may spread the disease and put other wildlife and humans at risk.
    • Keep your pets away from sick or dead birds, as they may be infected with H5N1 bird flu. Cats are especially vulnerable to the disease and can develop serious infections.
  • For handling a dead bird, wear disposable gloves or use a plastic bag turned inside out.
  • Use a shovel, rake, or another tool to pick up the bird.
  • Dispose of dead birds by double-bagging them and placing them in a secure trash bin or burn barrel, out of reach of pets and wildlife.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after removing your gloves.
  • After handling dead birds, wash your clothes in hot water and disinfect your shoes by either spraying them with benzalkonium chloride-based commercial disinfectant (e.g., Lysol spray or similar product) and allow them to dry, or by submerging them in a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water for 10 minutes (This may discolor shoes).
  • Contact your health care provider if you start experiencing any flu-like symptoms within 10 days of handling sick or dead birds. Symptoms include red or itchy eyes, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, fever, body aches and chills.

  For more information here are the following links:

  https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2324/Avian-Influenza

  https://ksoutdoors.gov/Hunting/Migratory-Birds/Avian-Influenza-Bird-Flu

  https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/division-of-animal-health/animal-diseases/avian-influenza

  https://www.cityofwellington.net/