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Sitka National Historical Park Visitors Advised to be Wary of HPAI-Carrying Birds

The Alaska Raptor Center has confirmed that an adult Bald Eagle found in Sitka National Historical Park has highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The eagle, which displayed symptoms of head jerks, neck twist, and was grounded, was collected by the center on March 12.

Visitors to the park and the surrounding area should be aware that they may encounter more sick or dead birds due to HPAI.

The virus is highly transmissible and can be passed by contaminated individuals and surfaces like clothes and boots.

While the virus rarely transmits to humans, it can easily transmit to dogs, so visitors should take extra care to prevent their dogs from interacting with any sick or dead birds.

To help prevent the spread of the virus, park staff are working with partners to collect, test, and properly dispose of as many dead birds as possible.

The bird species most likely to be affected in this area is the bald eagle. If a sick or deceased bird is found in the park, visitors are advised to contact Olivia Magni at 907-747-0145.

It is crucial that visitors do not approach or touch any bird that appears to be sick, as this can increase the risk of transmitting the virus.

The Alaska Raptor Center is urging visitors to the park to be cautious and vigilant and to report any sick or dead birds they may come across.

This virus is highly transmissible and can easily be spread through contaminated individuals and surfaces, including clothing and equipment.

This means that visitors to the park and surrounding areas could unknowingly carry the virus with them to private campgrounds and recreational facilities, potentially infecting other birds in those areas.

Moreover, the bird species most likely to be affected in the Sitka area is the bald eagle, which is a popular sight for visitors to the park and surrounding areas.

In light of this, private campgrounds and recreational facilities nearby should take extra precautions to prevent the spread of HPAI.

This could include educating visitors about the risks of interacting with sick or dead birds, and providing information on how to report any sightings of sick or dead birds to local authorities.

Additionally, facilities should ensure that all equipment and clothing are properly cleaned and disinfected before and after use, to reduce the risk of contamination.

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Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: Sitka National Historical Park Visitors Advised to be Wary of HPAI-Carrying Birds! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/usa/alaska/sitka-national-historical-park-visitors-advised-to-be-wary-of-hpai-carrying-birds/