CDFW: Avian flu continues to be found wild birds in Mendocino and across California

MENDOCINO Co., 9/7/22 — The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has issued a warning that a strain of avian flu, known as HPAI H5N1, continues to be found in wild birds across California and has now been identified in 13 total counties, including one case reported in Mendocino County. The strain currently in circulation can be contagious amongst different bird species, “and domestic birds such as chickens are especially vulnerable,” the announcement states.

In order to reduce the risk of the virus spreading to domestic birds such as chickens, CDFW has a number of recommendations, including reporting dead wild birds and poultry, minimizing contact between domestic birds and wild birds as well as their water sources, and washing clothing, footwear, and equipment after recreating “in areas with large concentrations of waterfowl and other waterbirds” and before “traveling to other areas or interacting with domestic birds.”