City of North Liberty news release

Avian Flu: What to Do or Look For

Posted on: December 20, 2024

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has been tracking the presence, since its arrival in 2022, of avian influenza (H5N1). After a year without detections, there has been a sharp increase in migrating birds north of Interstate 80. Avian influenza, or “bird flu,” has an extremely high mortality rate and has been known to jump species. This current strain has been found in cattle and 60 cases of humans this year. Most recently, there have been cases reported in Linn County and a couple of suspected, but not confirmed, cases in our own county.

Here is what you need to look out for:

Waterfowl and other migrating birds, such as ducks and geese, acting strange
- Classic signs are birds constantly twisting of their heads or necks and swimming in tight circles
- Twitches or tremors
- Newer symptoms include flocking birds that are quiet and alone, and do not or cannot fly away when approached
Birds of prey and scavenging mammals, such as eagles and foxes, with possible neurological issues
- Twitches or tremors
- Walking or flying in tight circles

The virus has been known to stay active in deceased birds for up to several weeks, depending on environmental conditions. If a resident sees a wild animal or pet with any of these symptoms or just acting abnormally, they are encouraged to:

Avoid touching or approaching the wild animal
Keep pets and children away
Call the non-emergency dispatch number to let Animal Control know: (319) 356-6800
Quarantine and contact your physician immediately if you or a loved one come into close contact with an animal that you suspect may have avian influenza