We are aware of the presence of sick, dying, and deceased birds on tribal lands.

Avian influenza is a story frequently heard in the news lately. Recently, migrating sandhill cranes near North Liberty, Indiana have experienced many deaths from avian influenza. Pokagon Band Kowabdanawa odë kė (PBKK) team members have observed several dead or dying cranes on tribal properties, and a recent article in the South Bend Tribune highlights the deaths of over 100 sandhill cranes at nearby Fish Lake.

Avian influenza mainly affects poultry and wild birds, but other animals, including humans, who are near infected animals can also catch the disease. The wide range of hosts (domestic and wild birds, domestic mammals like cattle and goats, etc.) and frequency of severe or fatal symptoms has caused health officials to warn of the possibility of human infections under the right conditions.

Avian influenza is spread through contact with bodily fluids and may be contracted by inhaling the virus (near animals who are diseased and are shedding the virus in their breath) or by tactile routes, touching an infected surface or material and then wiping your face. Avian influenza may also be contracted by consuming some poultry and dairy products such as raw or unpasteurized milk, cream, or raw chicken. Food safety practices for cooking are a good way to avoid potential exposure to this disease by thoroughly cooking meat and poultry or avoiding raw dairy products. In addition to potentially catching avian influenza, people who interact with diseased wildlife may inadvertently expose their pets and loved ones to the disease without proper precautions. Some pets, especially cats, appear to have much more severe symptoms and are more likely to die from avian influenza than humans.

Symptoms in people range from mild upper respiratory tract infection (fever, cough, sore throat, etc) to severe symptoms and complications such as difficulty breathing and pneumonia. Most cases are mild. Antiviral medicines are recommended for those with severe disease or risk of developing severe disease due to underlying conditions. If you are experiencing symptoms, you can be seen in Ethë Wabthegazwat Acute Care Clinic. Call the main PHS line at (269) 782-4141 or (888) 440-1234 to schedule an appointment.

Avian influenza may be spread by hanging bird feeders or ground feeding bird feeders, so the safest course of action would be to remove bird feeders and avoid ground feeding birds during the height of the disease spreading. PBKK is currently working with State natural resource officials to determine if laboratories need additional samples for testing or if deceased birds found on tribal properties can be buried. Burying deceased birds helps to prevent other birds and wildlife from contracting the virus, as eagles, hawks, other birds of prey, crows, and carnivores may take advantage of a feeding opportunity.

PBKK would like to remind everyone that may encounter diseased wildlife, dead or alive, to exercise caution and good hygiene practices to reduce the possibility of infection. The best option would be to avoid any contact with sick or deceased birds. If this is not possible, wearing gloves and a mask are highly recommended, sanitizing any clothes and footwear that you have on during the encounter, as well as thoroughly washing your hands when you are finished. Tribal citizens may contact PBBK at 269-782-9602 or PokagonDNR@PokagonBand-nsn.gov to report sick or deceased wildlife on tribal properties.

Sick or deceased birds may also be reported to the Indiana or Michigan through their online portals, which a linked here:

Report sick or deceased wildlife in Indiana.

Report sick or deceased birds in Michigan.