The city of Lubbock issues a warning when dead or sick birds are found, as birds stop in the hub city on their normal southward migration route during the winter.
As highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI, or H5N1) spreads among wild birds across the country, Lubbock Public Health urges citizens to avoid handling or coming into contact with sick or dead birds, according to a news release.
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“While the public health risk is currently considered low, close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments may result in transmission,” the release reads. “Everyone should avoid contact with sick or dead birds. Highly pathogenic avian influenza is fatal to poultry and can also cause severe illness and death in wild birds.”
On November 6, 2025, sandhill cranes arrived at the Isenberg Sandhill Crane Sanctuary along Woodbridge Road west of Lodi. In the fall, thousands of sandhill cranes migrate from their summer homes in Alaska and Canada to the Central Valley, where they remain until spring. These cranes are 4 to 5 feet tall and have a wingspan of approximately 6 feet. They are known for their distinctive trumpeting sound and elegant courtship dance. These gray-bodied, red-headed birds fly into the reserve every night and out every morning. They can also be seen on Staten Island near Walnut Grove and at the Cosumnis River Preserve near Thornton. The best time to observe them is around sunset and sunrise. The annual Sandhill Crane Festival is held Nov. 8-9 at the Hutchins Street Plaza in Lodi.
While it may be human nature to try to help an animal out of trouble, LPH has given citizens some advice on what to do if they find a sick or dead bird.
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Do not touch wild birds — Avoid touching, handling, or interacting with sick or dead wild birds, including geese, mynas, hawks, or other wildlife.
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Report a dead bird — If you find a sick or dead bird, please contact Lubbock Animal Services at 806-775-2057.
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protect yourself — If you must handle birds (for example, for disposal), wear gloves and a mask. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards.
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seek medical attention — If you develop flu-like symptoms after potential exposure, contact your health care provider immediately.
What is avian influenza?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, H5N1 (also known as avian or avian influenza) is “a viral infection that circulates in birds, cattle, and other animals” and can affect humans, but rarely.
The virus is spread when humans come into contact with bodily fluids from infected animals, such as saliva, milk, respiratory droplets or feces.
Humans can also inhale the virus from small dust particles in animal habitats or enter their eyes, nose or mouth after contact with 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 (difficulty breathing).
The symptoms can be mild or severe, and recent cases of bird flu in the United States have caused pink eye and mild respiratory symptoms, the clinic said.
Mateo Rosiers is a Texas reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche Journal and the USA TODAY Network. Got a news tip for him? Send him an email: mrosiles@lubbockonline.com.
This article originally appeared in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal: Lubbock citizens ask not to handle dead, sick birds due to bird flu