Preliminary test results reveal birds did not have HPAI after initial bird flu scare, LA County reports
LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles city officials sounded the alarm after suspected bird flu, or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), cases were reported in the area.
The city – who made the announcement on social media earlier in the week – suspected bird flu cases, but the Los Angeles County Public Health revealed the birds in question did not have HPAI.
Prior to Wednesday's news about the birds testing negative, LA City issued a warning to residents to make sure wild birds, including ducks, geese and swans, aren't being fed. Health officials also warn the public to not touch the wild birds, even if they look healthy.
The County's Public Health said the National Veterinary Services Laboratory will conduct confirmatory testing and results may take a few weeks. LA County Public Health said the risk to the general public's health over H5N1 is low.
Los Angeles County Public Health had previously warned the public about bird flu earlier in the year. According to a press release published five months prior to Monday, there were 30 confirmed HPAI cases among wild birds between October 2022 and April 2023.