LUBBOCK, Texas–Ransom Canyon is urging residents to exercise caution following confirmed detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu in the region.
While the situation is being closely monitored, the city’s administrator, Elena Quintanilla, is advising the public not to touch or handle these birds.
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“We are asking residents, please, please do not handle them yourselves, leave it to the professionals, as we have been in close communication with the City of Lubbock’s Health Department, they have given us all protocols and precautionary measures as to how to handle them,” Quintanilla said.
HPAI symptoms may appear in birds, animals and mammals. Residents should report wildlife or domestic animals exhibiting any of the following signs:
- Birds falling from the sky
- Inability to lift the head (birds in water may drown)
- Standing still or not reacting when approached
- Apparent blindness
- Facial twitching or seizure-like movements
- Head tilt (torticollis)
- Ataxia (loss of coordination)
- Grand mal seizures
- Ocular or nasal discharge
- Diarrhea or abnormal stool
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing or use of abdominal muscles to breathe
If you observe any of these symptoms, do not approach the animal…