Bird flu risk increases in Kansas amid fall bird migration

TOPEKA (KSNT) - State and federal officials are monitoring bird flu cases in Kansas amid an increase in infections in humans.

KSNT 27 News checked in with representatives of the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) and Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on the state of bird flu cases in Kansas. While no new outbreaks have been detected since the first months of 2024, risk factors for infections are rising as wild migratory birds fly over the Sunflower State.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says on its website that bird flu, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), is spread worldwide by birds with sporadic infections and outbreaks being detected in humans and other animals. Migrating birds take to the skies in the fall, potentially acting as a source for new outbreaks at places which are most susceptible to the bird flu such as poultry farms and zoos.

Heather Lansdowne with the KDA said poultry farm owners should consult her department's website or the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) for best practices regarding the bird flu. This includes covering stored feed and removing potential nesting areas for wild birds.

"As wild birds begin their fall migration, poultry owners should be more vigilant in implementing these practices to protect their flocks, as wild birds continue to be a major risk factor for the spread of the virus," Lansdowne said.

Lansdowne said the majority of bird flu cases in Kansas have been in birds with only four coming from dairy cattle. She said there have been seven positive cases in poultry between Jan. 4 and April 9 this year with no new detections over the summer and fall so far. A total of 15 positive cases in birds were identified in 2023. Positive detections of bird flu often result in quarantines to prevent it from getting into new areas.

"The most common source of HPAI among poultry premises is wild migrating waterfowl," Lansdowne said. "The source of the transmission on dairies has not been determined, but in other states there is data that after the initial introduction by wild migrating birds, the movement from one farm to another has contributed to the transmission of the virus."

Jill Bronaugh with the KDHE confirms no human cases of bird flu have been detected yet in Kansas. However, as has been shown in other states, there is a possibility people can become infected with bird flu.

Farm workers are at the greatest risk due to their increased interactions with domesticated birds.

"The risk of avian influenza to the general public is still thought to be low," Bronaugh said. "Those at highest risk include workers who may be exposed to infected animals."

Bronaugh encourages farm workers to check with the CDC by using this link for more information on how to protect themselves from the bird flu. Farm workers interested in getting a free seasonal influenza shot can click here.

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