CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A federal lab has confirmed the presence of avian influenza, or bird flu, here in Nueces County.
Bird flu is a highly contagious disease for both wild and domestic birds. Its presence has been found in domesticated swans in our area.
Transmission from infected birds to humans is very rare, but the public should take basic protective measures if contact with wild animals cannot be avoided.
Bird flu has killed more than 49 million birds in 46 states since 2022.
Texas Parks and Wildlife warns game bird hunters to consider taking the following precautions:
- Disposing carcasses properly
- Wearing gloves when processing
- Avoiding consumption or processing of any sick bird
- Cleaning and disinfecting tools between carcasses
- Cooking meat to proper temperatures