Bird Flu Center

With every day stories and recent documentaries highlighting the threat of wild bird population becoming exposed to the much feared bird flu virus, Mississippi residents are fearing they too could be faced with the disease, as the area hosts a great habitat for migratory birds. The Gulf Coast is home to many species of shore birds and is a respite for migratory waterfowl, with the endangered Mississippi Sandhill Crane living in the region. Local wildlife biologists admit their concern, but also the fact that no detailed plan for dealing with the avian flu has been formulated yet.

Experts however feel the need to address the population and inform panic is not necessary. Many households keep bird feeders in the back yard and although the H5N1 virus is unlikely to affect wild birds yet, normal hygiene measures should be maintained, keeping the bird feeders clean so as to reduce the risk of other illnesses such as salmonella. There is a slight concern that the virus could come to North America via migratory paths across Alaska, but the US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Geological Survey, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and public health agencies are closely working together on testing thousands of shore birds and waterfowl.