Five wild birds found in areas of Los Angeles County have H5 bird flu, health officials said Thursday.
While the risk of human infections remains low, the county Department of Public Health urged steps to reduce the spread and risk. The birds tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza H5, also known as H5 bird flu.
According to the department, the infected birds were an egret found Nov. 9 in Van Nuys, a California gull found Nov. 10 in Manhattan Beach, a Western gull found Nov. 13 in Malibu, a gull found Nov. 14 in San Pedro and a Western gull found Nov. 21 in Palos Verdes.
Health officials cautioned that people and their pets should maintain a safe distance from birds and avoid any direct contact. People should also not feed wild birds or animals and avoid bird droppings and surfaces where wild birds gather. Thorough hand washing is also important to do after outdoor activities near birds, officials said.
To report sick wild birds, residents can call 211 to connect with a local animal control agency.
H5 bird flu is widespread in birds worldwide, leading to some outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows and occasional human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Human cases of bird flu totaling 71 and two related deaths have been reported in the United States since last year, according to the CDC. California H5 cases totaled 38.
