Bird flu spreads to Southern California, infecting chickens, wild birds and other animals
People who have direct contact with wild birds, or those who handle dead birds without proper protection, should see a doctor.
People who have direct contact with wild birds, or those who handle dead birds without proper protection, should see a doctor.
Photo: Getty Images
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A woman is seen preparing an infected sparrow while looking for dead birds in Los Angeles, Monday, March 10, 2013.
A woman is seen preparing an infected sparrow while looking for dead birds in Los Angeles, Monday, March 10, 2013.
Photo: AP
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A woman is seen preparing an infected sparrow while looking for dead birds in Los Angeles, Monday, March 10, 2013.
A woman is seen preparing an infected sparrow while looking for dead birds in Los Angeles, Monday, March 10, 2013.
Photo: AP
Image 4 of 4
A woman is seen preparing an infected sparrow while looking for dead birds in Los Angeles, Monday, March 10, 2013.
A woman is seen preparing an infected sparrow while looking for dead birds in Los Angeles, Monday, March 10, 2013.
Photo: AP
Exotic bird flu spreading to Southern California on a farm
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California farms are reeling from the spread of an exotic bird flu virus to more than 30 species of poultry and chickens, and threatening to infect birds in other species, a wildlife official said Monday.
The first cases of the avian influenza virus were reported to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on Friday by a private company that conducts wildlife biology research, said Doug Zmuda, a spokesman for the department.
The first deaths from the virus have been reported in San Andreas. Other reports said two people in Santa Barbara County have died after exposure to avian flu.
In total, nine birds were infected at various farms, Zmuda said. He said three birds died, including two ducks and one chicken.
“We do not have specific sources of infection,” Zmuda said, adding that the Department of Fish and Wildlife is working with an agriculture and animal welfare group to contain the disease if it spreads.
However, he said, “there’s
