Lubbock asks citizens not to handle sick, dead birds due to avian flu
As birds stop in the Hub City on their normal migration route south for the winter, the City of Lubbock is issuing a warning about finding dead or sick birds.
According to a press release, Lubbock Public Health urges citizens to avoid handling or handling sick or dead birds due to the circulation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI, or H5N1) in wild birds across the country.
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“Although the risk to public health is currently considered low, close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments may lead to transmission,” the statement said. “Everyone should avoid contact with sick or dead birds. HPAI is fatal to domestic poultry and can cause serious illness and death in wild birds.”
Sandhill cranes fly into the Isenberg Sandhill Crane Preserve along Woodbridge Road west of Lodi on Nov. 6, 2025. Thousands of cranes migrate to the Central Valley in the fall from their summer homes in Alaska and Canada, where they stay until spring. Cranes are 4 to 5 feet tall and have a wingspan of about 6 feet. They are known for their unique trumpet sounds and graceful courtship dances. The gray-bodied, red-capped birds fly into the preserve every evening and come out every morning. They can also be seen on Staten Island near Walnut Grove and in the Cosumnes River Preserve near Thornton. The best times to observe them are near sunset and sunrise. The annual Sandhill Crane Festival at the Hutchins Street Square in Lodi takes place November 8-9.
While it’s human nature to try to help animals, LPH offered tips on what citizens should do if they find a sick or dead bird.
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Don’t touch wild birds — avoid touching, handling or interacting with sick or dead wild birds, including geese, coyotes, hawks or other wildlife.
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Report dead birds — If you find a sick or dead bird, contact Lubbock Animal Services at 806-775-2057.
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protect yourself — If you must handle a bird (e.g. for disposal), wear gloves and a mask. Then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
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Seek medical help — If you develop flu-like symptoms after potential exposure, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
What is Bird Flu?
According to the Cleveland ClinicH5N1, also known as bird flu or bird flu, is a “viral infection that spreads in birds, cows, and other animals” that can affect humans but is rare.
It can spread when people come into contact with body fluids such as saliva, milk, respiratory droplets, or feces from an infected animal.
People can also inhale the virus from small dust particles in animal habitats or transmit it to their eyes, nose, or mouth after touching body fluids.
What are the symptoms of bird flu?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of bird flu include:
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Pink eye (conjunctivitis).
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Shortness of breath (shortness of breath).
The clinic notes that these symptoms can be mild or severe, with the most recent cases of bird flu in the US causing pink eye and mild respiratory symptoms.
Mateo Rosiles is a reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and the USA TODAY Network in Texas. Do you have any news for him? Email him: mrosiles@lubbockonline.com.
This article first appeared in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock citizens asked not to touch dead and sick birds due to bird flu
