Alert for Hunters and Bird Handlers Amid Bird Flu Outbreak

The Butte County Department of Public Health (BCPH) has received notification from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) of a bird flu (H5N1) infection in a commercial upland game bird farm in Butte County. Upland game birds are non-waterfowl birds that live in heavy ground cover and are often hunted for game. BCPH wants bird hunters and those who may be exposed to upland birds to be aware of the potential for H5N1 exposure and take steps to protect themselves, hunting dogs, and falconry birds.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) notified the farm on December 31, 2024, about the birds that tested positive for bird flu, and required the farm to immediately stop all sales of birds. All birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.

According to CDFA, the farm does not sell birds to the general public; they breed birds to sell to hunting clubs. BCPH is working with CDFA and CDPH to confirm that local hunting clubs that may have recently purchased birds from this farm have been notified.

While the general public’s health risk is low, people who work with birds, poultry, or cows or have recreational exposure, such as hunting, are at higher risk. To date, there have been no reported human H5N1 bird flu cases among Butte County residents.
The best way to protect yourself and your family from H5N1 is to avoid direct contact with wild birds and other animals infected with or suspected to be infected with bird flu viruses.

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