The above photo was AI-generated and no birds were harmed. 🥹
Although we have been hearing a lot about bird flu on the news lately, it has actually been around for a long time. Scientists first saw it circulating among wild birds in the 1990s.
However, just like all types of viruses it mutates over time. Some emerging strains are deadlyier than others and that is the case with the latest break out of bird flu that began being seen in wild birds in 2021-2022.
There are some states that are seeing very high numbers of dead wild birds. They have been reported in high numbers in Michigan, Massachusetts, Kansas, Colorado, Montana, and Idaho.
It has now been reported in animals that kill and eat sick birds with the infection. According to the California Department of Public Health, the bird flu has been found in mountain lions, raccoons, skunks, and bobcats.
You may have seen, as I have what they are calling “demonic” seals attacking people. This is because hundreds of dead seals with the infection have been found on beaches worldwide. However, the disease from the virus doesn’t cause aggression, but it does affect them neurology.
SO WHAT ABOUT OUR CHIHUAHUAS and the bird flu?
So could our Chihuahuas be in danger of the bird flu? The fact that dogs are attracted to dead animals in a well-known fact. My Pebbles used to love to roll in what I called “organic” things in the yard. That is dead bugs and who knows what in the leaves, for instance.
When you take your Chihuahua on a walk always keep them on a leash. Should you find a dead bird don’t let your Chihuahua near it! It would be a good idea to report it to your local animal control. Don’t let them chase geese or ducks and definitely don’t let them eat their poop!
Walk your backyard or anywhere your Chihuahua is allowed to be occasionally to check for dead birds. If you find one protect yourself from the bird flu by following these steps:
1. Report The Dead Bird
Report it to your state’s wildlife authority. You can also search where in your area to report online.
2. Be Safe When Handling
Avoid direct handling. Don’t touch it with your bare hands. Wear disposable gloves instead.
- Use a Plastic Bag: You can also use an inverted plastic bag to pick up the bird, grasping the bird through the plastic.
- Consider other protective measures: If the bird is in a wet environment or where splashing may occur during removal, safety goggles or glasses and an N95 mask can be used to protect your eyes, nose, and mouth.
3. Disposal
- Double-Bag: Place the bird in a plastic bag, and then place that bag into another plastic bag to double-bag it.
- Dispose Properly: Throw the double-bagged bird in your regular trash.
- Don’t Bury: Avoid burying the bird, as other animals might dig it up and potentially spread disease.
4. After Handling
- Wash Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the bird.
- Disinfect: Disinfect any equipment used to handle the bird, such as gloves or tools, according to manufacturer’s specifications.
further thoughts:
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), cats and dogs can become infected with avian influenza by eating sick or dead birds, consuming unpasteurized milk from infected cows, or eating raw or undercooked meat. While the risk of dogs contracting the virus remains very low, several barn and feral cats have become seriously ill with the virus since the outbreak began in cattle.
Your Chihuahua’s risk of contracting the virus is minimal, it’s good to be knowledgeable and cautious. It’s up to you and me to keep our Chihuahuas safe.
There is more information from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)