LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas — The first case of severe illness caused by bird flu is now in the U.S. and it's not very far from Arkansas.
The case is in Louisiana where a patient had been in contact with sick and dead birds.
Meanwhile here in the Natural State, the Arkansas Department of Health said there have been no cases of humans getting avian flu. However, they are monitoring the situation alongside the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.
"Anytime you have a disease outbreak of any type, I don't know if 'worry' is the right word... 'vigilant' maybe," said Trey Reid with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission..
Reid said they immediately started getting reports when duck hunting began last month.
Since then, 88 reports have been made of possibly infected birds. There are some things that are important to look out for if you think you spot a sick bird.
"You know, they don't fly off. When you enter a field 95% of the birds leave and 5% of them are still wandering around out there. They don't seem to have a fear. That's probably a good indication that they are sick," said Reid.
If you're hunting or handling wildlife this season here are ways to protect yourself:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the birds.
- Wear gloves if possible.
- If you're eating the meat, make sure it's cooked to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Don't let your dogs or other pets around the birds.
This is now the third year that officials with Arkansas Game and Fish have received positive tests for birds in the state.