Feb 6, 2025
By Jorjanna Price

Travis Audubon members can help the state and local officials monitor for bird flu fatalities. Biologists who track the disease in Texas are asking to hear about any large groups of dead birds found by birders or hikers.

Natasia Moore, an urban wildlife biologist at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TWPD), says a “large group” of carcasses would be five or more in one location. This would be unusual and something the state agency needs to know.

So far, the only “large group” of fatalities found in Travis County was the early-January discovery of six to twelve ducks at a pond near Arboretum Blvd. and 360 Capital of Texas Hwy. in northwest Austin. Most were Muscovy ducks, which tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, she said.

As far as individual bird fatalities, she said there is no reason to notify TPWD. But it is important to follow protective guidelines: wear gloves and double-bag the carcass before throwing away. Also do not allow pets to consume carcasses.

Evidence of bird flu in live birds includes unusual behavior such as twitching. In dead birds, the neck might be twisted.

One recent discovery, she said, is detecting bird flu in grackles in Lubbock Country, which is further evidence of how the virus can spread beyond chickens and cows.

Anyone finding a large group of dead birds is asked to contact Moore at 512-409-0689 or a county wildlife biologist. For Travis County, the contact is Tania Pena at 512-284-1103.

Moore also addressed TPWD’s advisory to remove bird baths and feeders to avoid spreading the disease where birds congregate. Most birds will be able to find food without the feeders, she said. But anyone insisting on keeping backyard feeders should do the following: 1) regularly clean the feeders with 1 part bleach and 9 parts water solution and 2) discard any remaining bird seed every two weeks.

Featured image: Great Blue Heron  Linda Hoopes/Audubon Photography Awards