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A highly pathogenic avian flu is still present in New Hampshire. Here’s what you need to know.

Courtesy
/
UNH Extension

A strain of avian flu that is especially dangerous for birds is still present in New Hampshire almost a year after it was first detected.

State veterinarian Steve Crawford said this is the worst outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in New England in his memory.

“Regionally it’s been more impactful, I think, than anyone here recalls,” he said. “And nationally the same.”

There’s been two cases of highly pathogenic avian flu in domestic flocks of birds in New Hampshire, Crawford said. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it has been detected in 72 wild birds in the state since last January.

Last spring, officials were hopeful that summer weather would help stop the spread of the virus. But that didn’t happen, Crawford said, and infections remained present, with an uptick in the fall.

The virus can have a profound impact on people raising chickens. If a bird becomes infected, the entire flock must be culled. And once positive cases are detected in one state, other states and countries can impose limitations on its birds, eggs and other products, Crawford said.

“There have been significant financial and logistical implications for a handful of flock owners in New Hampshire,” he said, even though they haven’t had infections in their flocks.

People who own and work with chickens and other birds should take precautions to keep them safe, like keeping flocks separated from wild birds, keeping them indoors or under a roof, and using a specific set of boots for walking near the birds that are washed after use. Washing hands before and after working with birds is also important, Crawford said.

Granite Staters who use a bird feeder should wash the feeder with a bleach solution often, said Jessica Carloni, Waterfowl Project Leader at the New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game. Hunters should wear protective equipment like rubber gloves when processing game, she said, and should use a stainless steel surface they can bleach to process birds.

It’s rare for humans to catch avian flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There’s only been one recent reported human case of bird flu in a human, which happened last April. But people should avoid direct contact with wild birds and avoid unprotected contact with domestic birds that look sick or have died.

For those who must be around birds because of their job, protective equipment like gloves and an N95 respirator or well-fitting face mask help protect from infection. Hand washing, changing clothes after being around poultry and avoiding touching your face after contact with birds or contaminated surfaces can also help. More guidance is available here.

My mission is to bring listeners directly to the people and places experiencing and responding to climate change in New Hampshire. I aim to use sounds, scenes, and clear, simple explanations of complex science and history to tell stories about how Granite Staters are managing ecological and social transitions that come with climate change. I also report on how people in positions of power are responding to our warmer, wetter state, and explain the forces limiting and driving mitigation and adaptation.

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SOMOS CONNECTICUT is an initiative from Connecticut Public, the state’s local NPR and PBS station, to elevate Latino stories and expand programming that uplifts and informs our Latino communities. Visit CTPublic.org/latino for more stories and resources. For updates, sign up for the SOMOS CONNECTICUT newsletter at ctpublic.org/newsletters.

SOMOS CONNECTICUT es una iniciativa de Connecticut Public, la emisora local de NPR y PBS del estado, que busca elevar nuestras historias latinas y expandir programación que alza y informa nuestras comunidades latinas locales. Visita CTPublic.org/latino para más reportajes y recursos. Para noticias, suscríbase a nuestro boletín informativo en ctpublic.org/newsletters.

The independent journalism and non-commercial programming you rely on every day is in danger.

If you’re reading this, you believe in trusted journalism and in learning without paywalls. You value access to educational content kids love and enriching cultural programming.

Now all of that is at risk.

Federal funding for public media is under threat and if it goes, the impact to our communities will be devastating.

Together, we can defend it. It’s time to protect what matters.

Your voice has protected public media before. Now, it’s needed again. Learn how you can protect the news and programming you depend on.

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