ARDEN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A dead waterfowl at Lake Julian Park has received a preliminary positive test result for avian influenza H5N1 or bird flu, Buncombe County officials said Friday. Parks staff have found eight dead birds at the park; additional test results are pending, although there is not a timeline for those results.
The park will remain open, county officials said. Park visitors should always avoid touching or feeding waterfowl and wash their hands regularly.
Buncombe County Parks and Public Health Staff are working with state partners including representatives from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, Division of Public Health and Department of Agriculture on cleaning protocols at the park, monitoring and testing in the event of human exposure and protocols for handling sick or deceased animals, according to a news release from the county.
“It’s not common for the virus to transmit from animals to humans, but it is possible,” Buncombe County Public Health Director Dr. Ellis Matheson said in the release. “Reduce your risk of infection by staying away from sick or dead birds, and the same goes for your pets, as well.”
The CDC reports there have been 67 confirmed total reported human cases of H5 Bird Flu in the U.S. since 2024, including one associated death.
According to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, symptoms of bird flu include fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose and red, irritated eyes, a signature sign of bird flu.
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