Protect Your Pets and Property from Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza was first discovered in 1918 resulting in the death of 50 million people. However, today with our technology and medical knowledge we know much more about the origins and evolution of the disease to better protect our property and pets.

What is Avian Influenza?

Avian Influenza, also known as Bird Flu, is a virus that spreads by birds, such as waterfowl to other species. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), infected birds spread the virus through mucous, saliva or feces. Wild birds can be infected with bird flu including ducks, geese, swans and shorebirds. These birds can be infected and not get sick; however, the virus can be transferred to other wildlife including, birds and mammals through water sources and shared environments, which can result in sickness and possibly death.

Effects on Pets

Although the Bird Flu predominantly affects birds, some mammals, including domestic pets and cattle can be infected. According to the CDC, the virus has been detected in goats, alpacas, pigs, chickens, turkeys, dairy cows, cats and dogs. Your pet may show signs of fatigue, fever, low appetite, discharge from the eyes or nose and difficulty breathing. In more serious cases, neurological symptoms like tremors, seizures and blindness can occur. Most cases have been reported from infected farms or raw pet food and unpasteurized milk. Keeping cats indoors, not only keeps them protected from harm but also from the potential of transmission of bird flu from wild birds they may catch.

Effects on Human

While Bird Flu primarily affects birds, certain strains have been known to infect humans: H5N1 and H7N9. According to the World Health Organization, human cases are rare with less than 1,000 cases globally since 2003 but can be severe, leading to respiratory illness, fever and muscle and body aches. Transmission to humans typically occurs through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated surfaces and raw or undercooked animal products from infected animals. Fortunately, human-to-human transmission remains limited, though ongoing surveillance is crucial to monitor potential mutations.

Prevention and Control

If you are someone who has a farm or free-range animals, you are at high risk and Go Pro Wildlife Removal is here to help. We are bird barrier certified, which means we specialize in solving complex bird issues. We offer bird spikes that will prevent birds from randomly rousting to rest, as well as optical gel which prevents birds from landing or using shelter on roofs or shaded platforms. We also offer exclusion netting, which creates a barrier between birds and buildings to prevent nesting areas.

Go with the Pros!

To learn more about our bird barrier exclusion visit our website. Feel free to request a consultation with us or give us a call at 334-744-0391 for all your removal needs!