Lubbock Public Health Warns Residents to Avoid Contact with Sick or Dead Birds

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza circulating across the United States.

Lubbock Public Health is urging all residents to avoid handling or touching sick or dead birds following the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as Bird Flu or H5N1, in wild birds in Lubbock and surrounding areas.

Close contact with infected birds, including handling them, can lead to transmission of the virus to humans. HPAI is deadly to domestic poultry and can cause severe illness and death in wild birds.

What You Should and Should Not Do

• Do not touch wild birds.
• Avoid touching, handling, or interacting with sick or dead wild birds—including geese, grackles, hawks, or other wildlife.
• Report dead birds.
• If you find a sick or dead bird, contact Lubbock Animal Services, 806-775-2057. 
• Protect yourself.
• If you must handle a bird (for example, for disposal), wear gloves and a mask. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward. 

Seek medical attention.

If you develop flu-like symptoms after potential exposure, contact your healthcare provider promptly.