Bird flu detected in Austin ducks

AUSTIN – The San Antonio Express-News reports that Texas officials are asking residents to take down their bird feeders and baths due to a rise in bird flu cases across the state, including the recent detection of the contagious disease in the Austin area. The virus was confirmed in multiple domestic ducks found dead in a North Austin pond this month, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. Austin Public Health issued a public health advisory last week urging community members to take proper precautions. “The best way to protect yourself and others from bird flu is to avoid sources of exposure,” the advisory states. “That means avoiding direct contact with wild birds and other animals.” Residents should avoid touching sick or dead animals or their droppings, bringing sick animals into their homes, letting pets interact with sick or dead animals and their feces, and ingesting uncooked food products such as unpasteurized raw milk or cheeses.