IMPORTANT: Messages from osprey experts

Last year there was a lot of sneezing too. I think it is something they go through.

7-15-16 Reply Kathleen-

Avian Influenza in Birds

Avian influenza refers to infection of birds with avian influenza Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Wild aquatic birds can be infected with avian influenza A viruses in their intestines and respiratory tract, but usually do not get sick. However, avian influenza A viruses are very contagious among birds and some of these viruses can sicken and even kill certain domesticated bird species including chickens, ducks, and turkeys.
Infected birds can shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with the virus as it is shed by infected birds. They also can become infected through contact with surfaces that are contaminated with virus from infected birds.
Avian influenza A viruses are classified into the following two categories: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) A viruses, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A viruses. The categories refer to molecular characteristics of a virus and the virus’ ability to cause disease and mortality in chickens in a laboratory setting[2.5 MB, 64 pages]. Infection of poultry with LPAI viruses may cause no disease or mild illness (such as ruffled feathers and a drop in egg production) and may not be detected. Infection of poultry with HPAI viruses can cause severe disease with high mortality. Both HPAI and LPAI viruses can spread rapidly through poultry flocks. However, some ducks can be infected without any signs of illness.
In December 2014, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 viruses in both domestic and wild birds in the United States. No human infections with these viruses have been detected in the United States, Canada or internationally at this time, however, similar viruses have infected people. It’s possible that human infections with these viruses may occur. While human infections are possible, infection with avian influenza viruses in general are rare and – when they occur – these viruses have not spread easily to other people. CDC considers the risk to people from these HPAI H5 infections in U.S. birds and poultry to be low at this time, but has developed interim guidance on testing and prophylaxis. More information about detections of HPAI in U.S. birds is available through a link on the USDA website.
For more information visit the USDA avian influenza page and the USDA APHIS avian influenza page. For more information on avian influenza and wild birds, please visit the USGS National Wildlife Health Center website.

Avian Influenza in Wild Birds
Avian influenza A viruses have been isolated from more than 100 different species of wild birds. Most of these viruses have been LPAI viruses. The majority of the wild birds from which these viruses have been recovered represent gulls, terns and shorebirds or waterfowl such as ducks, geese and swans. These wild birds are often viewed as reservoirs (hosts) for avian influenza A viruses.
Avian Influenza in Poultry (Domesticated Birds)
Domesticated birds (chickens, turkeys, etc.) may become infected with avian influenza A viruses through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry, or through contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the viruses.
Infection of poultry with LPAI viruses may cause no disease or mild illness and may only cause mild signs (such as ruffled feathers and a drop in egg production) and may not be detected. Infection of poultry with HPAI viruses can cause severe disease with high mortality. Both HPAI and LPAI viruses can spread rapidly through flocks of poultry. HPAI virus infection in poultry (such as with HPAI H5 or HPAI H7 viruses) can cause disease that affects multiple internal organs with mortality up to 90% to 100%, often within 48 hours. Some ducks can be infected without any signs of illness.
CDC, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), World Health Organization (WHO), World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) conduct routine surveillance to monitor influenza viruses for changes that may have implications for animal and public health. CDC and WHO surveillance efforts are focused on human health. FAO and OIE are concerned with issues affecting animals, food and agriculture.
Avian influenza outbreaks are of concern in domesticated birds for several reasons:
• the potential for low pathogenic H5 and H7 viruses to evolve into highly pathogenic viruses
• the potential for rapid spread and significant illness and death among poultry during outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza
• the economic impact and trade restrictions from a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak
• the possibility that avian influenza A viruses could be transmitted to humans
When H5 or H7 avian influenza outbreaks occur in poultry, depopulation (or culling, also called “stamping out”) of infected flocks is usually carried out. In addition surveillance of flocks that are nearby or linked to the infected flock(s), and quarantine of exposed flocks with culling if disease is detected, are the preferred control and e

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-birds.htm
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I also found this below about bird flu

Name Date Message
Tiger 10/15/05 01:09 pm Does anyone now if ospreys are suscepible to bird flu?

Celeste 10/15/05 03:53 pm This week I was trying to learn more about this avian flu and I wanted to know if migratory wildbirds, such as osprey could also get this disease. . This afternoon I heard there were more cases of the flu supposedly transmitted by migratory birds, though they didn’t mention what bird, I suspect they are water birds, (geese and ducks), used for eating purposes. So far I have only been able to find the following–

http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/research/WHB/WHB_04_01.html
An excerpt…….
“While it is common for wild birds, particularly waterbirds, to carry strains of avian influenza virus, there is little evidence that the new virulent H5N1 virus strain is affecting wild bird populations, or that wild birds are able to spread this Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus. Thus far in 2004, there is a report that out of 6,000 wild birds tested in Hong Kong, one peregrine falcon was positive for the H5N1 strain. It is not known how the bird became infected and reports are not clear if the bird actually died from the disease”

The article also states historically migratory wild waterbirds rarely cause disease, which contradicts today’s news report.
Marie 10/15/05 04:02 pm Tiger, Bird life international have indicated that most bird FLU is BORN of the choked and appalling conditions that domestic chickens live under. Transportation of infected chickens, and infected birds in the exotic bird trade will further increase and spread this around. ONCE again, I believe, it is Man’s determination to cut corners , to MASS PRODUCE for PROFIT that causes much of the world’s ills. Look at the mad cow EXAMPLES. Unfortunately, the Humans that are in close contact with the production and slaughter of chickens are most vulnerable and are the ones that become infected and transmit. Close encounters or wild birds to chickens on-the-run, ie those in Asia that are allowed to feed in the open areas( Lucky chickens) that wild birds forage along side certainly could cause some wild birds to become infected ( virus mutations)…mostly likely waterfowl, but generally not long distance migrants. However 13-19%( if I remember rightly) of the Bar- headed goose was whipped out this past winter I believe from bird flu and they are long distant migrants! They certainly originated from Asia flying over the Himalayas to winter in India….I guess anything is possible. Even if the ospreys aren’t carriers the Hysteria and all the bad press about Avian Fu will certainly make many birds vulnerable to poisoning, and slaughter from anxious HUMANS, especially in their wintering grounds. Funny thing is, the birds will get blamed when really it is all to do with
” Humans ”and their farming/production practices. Are confined chickens being fed with pellets of food that contain their own kind, as well as antibiotics, and growth hormone? Just as the Mad cow disease surfaced a few years ago, we all discovered what ‘BEEF’ were being fed. Appalling! Cows…like chickens are are grain/grass eaters. Who ever thought that animals would do well eating their own kind? What on earth happened to the science in this issue? We certainly as a race need to wake up and take note or else it will be too late.
We now have the same issues here with Salmon fish farms. So sad.
You can read all about the Avian Flu in the URL below. What are we eating these days is a real issue for me!
http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2005/10/avian_flu.html

cathy 10/16/05 02:36 am Thanks, Marie for the well-expressed views. It makes me sad to see the slaughter of poultry to reduce bird flu. I also think of the people for whom these birds represents a livelihood. As you say, the everyday practices to raise meat for societies huge appetite seems appalling. What has concerned me about bird flu is that shooting or otherwise killing migratory birds might become acceptable as a “preventative” measure. Many of these methods might be indiscriminate – ducks or ospreys or cranes or storks. I guess we will learn what happens and hope the birds return as they have in recent years.
Tom I 10/16/05 08:44 am For facts on bird flu, the CDC website has a FAQ regarding it at:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/facts.htm

Bird flu’s originate in the wild and become a problem when domestic birds pick it up, becasue they are kept in close proximity. This virus is mainly circulating in Asian villages where the domestic chickens/ducks are often free ranging for the most part. Problem is that they (people) let the birds in their homes and such making contact with humans likely. The main threat is if someone has flu and bird flu at the same time, if this occurs the two viruses can mix and has the potential to create new strain, much like in 1918.
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Or are you thinking this due to the sneezing if so here is what Betsy has posted several times since several times people kept asking the same question.
July 11, 2016 at 7:16 pm – Reply
To Wendy, MD (again), and any one else with the same question/concern about the chick(s) sneezing:
MD: Yes, they all* have been sneezing. Chick #1 has been frequently sneezing for a little over two weeks now and chick #2 and chick#3 and Gracie occasionally sneeze (*I have not heard George sneeze, yet). Maltiegirl posted very interesting information in reply to a similar question:
Original question:
Karen DeLong July 9, 2016 at 5:19 pm
Ok…. Question for anyone who might know. Can birds get allergies? I noticed one just sneezing up a storm. I couldn’t tell which number it was. (1718pm)
Reply:
Maltiegirl July 9, 2016 at 8:01 pm
Hi Karen, I saw this on the Charlo Montana Osprey site regarding sneezing!
” Lots of preening as those feathers are really developing. Once the feathers have developed they burst through the sheath protecting them. They contain blood vessels that nourish the growing feather, thus the name blood feather, or pin feather. The feather is rolled inside of these tubes to protect it while growing. The protective tubes flake and fall away on their own or while the bird is preening. Through this time you will often hear the Ospreys sneeze as the powdery flakes fall away and become airborne. “!

I hope this helps you

And who’s that handsome airman with his yummy fish? Our George !

Lotta work there and you’re right. Gonna be a lot of wings flapping during that time frame!