Galveston County health officials say local wild birds have tested positive for H5 avian influenza and are warning residents to keep their hands off any sick or dead animals. The district reports that the immediate risk to the general public is low, but it is tracking multiple reports of dead birds and checking on people who might have been exposed.
Testing of county birds returned presumptive positives for H5, which officials described as presumptively positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. So far, 27 dead birds have been reported, and six of those specimens have been sent to the University of Texas Medical Branch for additional diagnostic confirmation. Ten people who had direct contact with infected birds have been evaluated. Those who developed symptoms tested negative, and eight people are taking Tamiflu as post exposure prophylaxis. According to FOX 26 Houston, the Galveston County Health District said there is no evidence of human to human transmission at this time and the public risk remains low.
What officials are doing
The health district says it is working with state and local partners to monitor the detections and roll out appropriate public health measures. County officials are asking residents to report sick or dead birds to the Galveston County Animal Resource Center at (409) 948-2485, as per the City of Texas City. As detailed by UTMB, local partners have emphasized rapid testing, contact evaluation and public education as core pieces of the response.
What pet owners should watch for
Outdoor cats that hunt or scavenge birds face a higher risk of exposure, while strictly indoor pets are considered at lower risk. Owners are being told to watch for sudden lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, trouble breathing, eye or nasal discharge, neurological signs such as stumbling or tremors, or sudden death. Any animal with these symptoms should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. The health district has urged caution and advised bringing any potentially exposed pet to a clinic for evaluation, as reported by the Galveston County Health District.
Statewide context and precautions
Highly pathogenic H5 variants have been detected across Texas in wild birds and, in some locations, in mammals, which has prompted wildlife officials to recommend taking down bird feeders and bird baths to reduce congregation of waterfowl. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and local reporting have urged residents to avoid feeding birds and to report unusual bird deaths. At the same time, the CDC continues to rate the risk to the general public as low, while advising clinicians to prioritize subtyping of influenza A in hospitalized patients with non seasonal flu. For more detail, see guidance from the CDC and state wildlife advisories.
If you find a dead bird or small mammal in Galveston County, do not touch it and do not move it. Call the Galveston County Animal Resource Center at (409) 948-2485 and report the location and type of animal.
