Urban areas like New York City are not immune to the threat of bird flu. While traditionally associated with hunters, poultry farmers, and dairy farmers, the current outbreak has shown that city dwellers, especially those with pets, need to be cautious as well. The New York City Virus Hunters (NYCVH) Program conducted a community science project that revealed infected birds passing through the city, posing a potential risk to humans and pets.
Between 2022 and 2023, volunteers collected nearly 2,000 bird poop samples from urban parks and green spaces in New York City. Out of these samples, six birds tested positive for a highly contagious strain of avian influenza. The infected birds included a red-tailed hawk, three Canada geese, a peregrine falcon, and a chicken. While the risk to humans and pets in the city is considered low, caution is advised.
Microbiologist Christine Marizzi from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai emphasizes the importance of staying alert and avoiding close contact with wildlife, including preventing pets from interacting with birds. The dense population of humans and pets in urban areas like New York City increases the likelihood of exposure to infectious diseases carried by birds.
While human cases of bird flu in New York City have not been reported, a farm worker in Texas recently fell ill after contracting the virus from a sick cow. This case highlights the possibility of mammal-to-human transmission of avian influenza. The World Health Organization is closely monitoring such cases, as the H5N1 virus can be deadly if transmitted to humans.
The current outbreak of avian flu is not confined to birds alone. In the US, the virus has spread to wild foxes, raccoons, possums, skunks, seals, leopards, bears, mountain lions, and bobcats. Domestic pets like cats and dogs have also been affected, alongside cattle and goats. The World Health Organization considers the situation a global zoonotic animal pandemic.
According to Marizzi, birds play a crucial role in identifying circulating influenza and avian viruses in urban areas. Understanding the potential dangers posed by these viruses to both birds and humans is essential for proactive monitoring and prevention efforts.
The threat of bird flu extends beyond rural settings to include urban areas with high human and pet populations. Awareness, vigilance, and preventive measures are key in mitigating the risks associated with avian influenza outbreaks. Monitoring bird populations and conducting research to understand the dynamics of virus transmission are vital steps in safeguarding public health and animal welfare in urban environments.