COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – As Ohio leads the country in bird flu cases, there are steps residents can take to help protect themselves, keep their pets healthy and prevent the disease from spreading further.

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), a viral infection that primarily affects birds, has killed millions of animals in the country since an outbreak of the disease was first detected in 2022. The disease’s mortality rate varies depending on the species of bird affected, but the condition is often fatal. 

In Ohio, 51 commercial bird flocks and 8.9 million birds total have been affected by the bird flu, according to data from the United States Department of Agriculture. The state is leading the nation in the number of confirmed cases.

While HPAI in poultry birds has raised egg prices and made daily headlines, the disease also spreads among wild birds such as geese, ducks, bald eagles and red-tailed hawks. If residents observe a bird with a swollen head or eyelids, twisted neck or lack of coordination, it may have the bird flu. 

“We are receiving reports of mortality in Canada geese primarily in almost all counties in the state at this point,” said Mike Reynolds of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife.

The division is monitoring and testing wild birds that are suspected to have HPAI in the state. Residents can report sightings of sick birds to the division so they can record that information, however, they will not test or collect birds in every instance.

“Depending on the species, if it’s a bald eagle or threatened or endangered species, we’re definitely going to come out and collect that bird and test,” Reynolds said. “If we’ve already determined it’s positive in an area, we’re probably not going to come out. We’ll give the land owner or the park district some guidance.”

Reynolds said the Division of Wildlife will not collect birds that have been dead for a number of days or that are decomposing since they will not be able to get a good sample for testing.

The Ohio Wildlife Center, the largest animal rehabilitation entity in the state, is currently not accepting birds that are showing signs of avian influenza in order to protect other animals in their care, according to a spokesperson. They do have a quarantine process and will take in birds that are suffering from other ailments or injuries. The organization also does not collect or help dispose of carcasses. 

While the ODNR recommends individuals avoid handling dead birds, residents may have to if they are concerned about remains on their property and the agency declines to collect them. In that instance, the agency recommends placing the bird in a plastic bag, double bagging it and disposing of it inside their curbside trashcan. Residents should not touch the bird directly, but wear disposable gloves or turn a plastic bag inside out to grab it, and wash their hands thoroughly after handling.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Ohio Poultry Association are monitoring the disease among domesticated birds raised for food in the state. The department said the disease cannot be transmitted through properly cooked meats or eggs, and that products from flocks with HPAI are prohibited from entering the market.

“When there is a detection, ODA quarantines the facility, and birds are depopulated (killed) to prevent the spread of the disease,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “A control area and surveillance zone is set up to monitor other facilities nearby and USDA guidelines are followed.”

Last week, the Ohio Department of Health announced the first human case of bird flu was detected in the state. A farm worker in Mercer County tested positive after coming into contact with deceased commercial poultry.

In America, there have been 68 confirmed human cases of bird flu across 11 states since the start of 2024. Only three of the confirmed cases involved people being exposed outside of commercial agriculture, and there are no known cases of humans spreading the disease to each other. The fatality rate of human bird flu cases is 52%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

Human symptoms include eye redness and irritation, a mild fever, coughing, a sore throat, muscle aches, headaches and fatigue. The ODH advises people experiencing symptoms to immediately isolate themselves away from others and call their healthcare provider.

Cats and dogs are also susceptible to the disease, and may catch it through coming into contact with a sick or dead infected bird, or fecal matter. The mortality rate for the bird flu in cats is estimated to be about 67%, according to the University of Maryland’s School of Public Health. Cases in dogs are rare so there is less information available on how deadly it may be to canines, but there have been some reported fatalities in past years. 

To prevent pets from getting the bird flu, owners should supervise their animals when they are outside and keep them away from poultry or dead birds. Symptoms in dogs and cats include fever, low appetite, red or inflamed eyes, difficulty breathing and neurological signs, such as tremors, seizures or incoordination. Residents should immediately call their veterinarian if their pet begins showing symptoms.

The risk of people catching HPAI from infected cats or dogs is considered extremely low, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife asks those who observe a bird with symptoms to call them at 800-945-3543. Backyard producers that have concerns about HPAI in their flock should contact the ODA at 614-728-6220 and commercial producers should contact the Ohio Poultry Association at 614-882-6111.