A St. Jude virologist is in Nome collecting bird flu data from local hunters and birds to help fill surveillance gaps along the Bering Strait. The work focuses on H5N1 avian influenza, which has affected wild and domestic birds in Alaska and has spread to some mammals.

A red fox struck by a vehicle near Nome, Alaska tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), the first detected case on the Seward Peninsula in about six months. Alaska wildlife officials urged caution during spring migration and advised residents not to handle or eat sick or dead wildlife.

State veterinarian Dr. Robert Gerlach said the virus never left Alaska in the winter months, and has spread beyond the local bird population.

Cases are being detected all over the state, from the Aleutians to Mat-Su to Haines and the Interior.“What we’re seeing this year is an unprecedented level of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds,” said Andy Ramey of USGS.

It is egg hunting season in many rural Alaska communities, and harvesters want to know if they should be concerned about eating eggs from wild birds. According to guidance from the State of Alaska and USFWS, the risk from avian flu for people is very low.