Avian Influenza Resources

Chicken in background with hand holding vile of blood test for HPAI Aviation Flu or H5N1.
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Iowa Guidance for Dead or Sick Wild Birds

Guidance Issued by Iowa Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR)

What should I do if someone reports dead or sick wild birds in my community?
  • Advise members of your community:
    • Avoid handling sick or dead birds.
      • If they must handle a dead bird (i.e. homeowner removing it from their property), advise wearing at minimum gloves and a mask, double bagging the carcass, and then performing good hand hygiene practices after contact and disposal. For disposal of the carcass in local garbage pickup or at a landfill, have the community member check with their local trash hauler for any requirements and confirm that the landfill accepts animal carcasses.
      • If they report waste from sick or dead birds on their clothes or shoes, advise them to wash clothing in hot water and to disinfect shoes (after removing any contamination such as visible poop) by spraying the outside with a benzalkonium chloride based commercial disinfectant (like Lysol* spray or similar product) and allow them to dry.
    • Keep your pets away from sick or dead birds.
    • Do not bring sick birds home or take them to a wildlife rehabilitator.
  • The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks those who find 5 or more sick or dead flocking birds within a week to report their findings to their local wildlife biologist or state conservation officer. DNR is also interested in reports of solitary birds or mammals.
Avian Influenza

Stay Away from Sick or Dead Wild Birds While Outdoors

When enjoying the outdoors, do not approach wild birds that appear sick or dead and bring them home. Sick birds can carry germs, like Salmonella and Avian Influenza. 

Learn more about avian flu from Iowa DNR
Stay away from sick or dead wild birds while outdoors. Image of man walking on snowy trail near river and trees.
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State Resources for Avian Influenza

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National Resources for Avian Influenza

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