JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – Amid rising concerns of avian influenza across the country, local experts assert that Mississippi is safe for now.
According to the Mississippi Board of Animal Health , the highly contagious disease is not in Mississippi. Despite that being true since May 2023 , the agency still encourages the public to remain vigilant. Here is what you need to know.
What is the bird flu?
Avian influenza, or the bird flu, is a disease caused by avian influenza Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds such as ducks, gulls, and shorebirds. It can infect domestic poultry such as chickens, turkeys, quail, and geese through their mucous, saliva, or feces.
Can I get sick?
Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with avian flu viruses have occurred. The current strain in the U.S. -highly pathogenic H5N1- has been killing turkeys, chickens, and raptors. It has been confirmed in two people, one in the United Kingdom in 2021 and one in the U.S. in 2022.