Protecting Our Community and Wildlife: Understanding Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Newsletter from Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake, Inc.

As homeowners around Deep Creek Lake, many of you are accustomed to seeing waterfowl on and around the lake, including on the buffer strip areas. While these birds contribute to the beauty of our environment, it’s important to be aware of an ongoing issue affecting waterfowl nationwide: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), specifically the H5N1 strain.

HPAI has been detected across the United States and poses significant risks to wild and domestic birds. While human cases are rare, contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces can potentially spread the virus to humans, making vigilance and proper precautions essential for the safety of our community and wildlife.

What is HPAI?
HPAI H5N1, bird flu or avian influenza, is a highly contagious virus primarily affecting birds. Waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, are often carriers of the virus, sometimes without showing symptoms. However, infected birds can shed the virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and droppings, potentially spreading it to other birds or surfaces frequented by humans.

Symptoms in waterfowl may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling or discoloration of the head or legs
• Neurological issues such as tremors or loss of coordination
• Sudden death

Why This Matters to Deep Creek Lake Residents
As residents, you may notice waterfowl on your property or on the buffer strip surrounding the lake. These birds may leave droppings that could carry the virus. If you observe any waterfowl exhibiting unusual behavior or discover dead birds, it’s crucial to act responsibly to protect both your health and the local bird population.

Additionally, the aviary at Deep Creek Lake State Park is temporarily closed, along with other aviaries across the state, as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of HPAI. This closure underscores the seriousness of the issue and our commitment to safeguarding both wildlife and public health.

What Should You Do?

1. For Human Health:
   • Avoid direct contact with waterfowl or their droppings.
   • Keep pets away from birds and droppings.
   • Wash your hands thoroughly after outdoor activities, especially if you’ve been near waterfowl habitats.
2. Reporting Sick or Dead Birds:
   • Report any unusual bird behavior or dead birds to 1-877-463-6497.
   • If you observe birds on your property exhibiting symptoms, avoid handling them and contact the appropriate authorities.
3. General Precautions:
   • If you host domestic poultry, implement biosecurity measures to keep them safe from wild birds.
   • Use gloves and a mask if you must handle bird droppings or clean contaminated surfaces.

A Nationwide Issue
HPAI is not limited to Deep Creek Lake. If you are a seasonal resident or travel frequently, it’s important to remain vigilant wherever you are. Waterfowl and their droppings can carry the virus in any part of the country, so the precautions shared here are widely applicable.

Working Together to Protect Our Community
Deep Creek Lake is a treasured place for both its natural beauty and its close-knit community. By staying informed and taking simple precautions, we can protect ourselves, our wildlife, and the spaces we cherish.

For further updates or questions, feel free to visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s website. Together, we can help mitigate the impact of HPAI and keep Deep Creek Lake a safe and enjoyable environment for all.