"wataugaanimalservices
3w
Yesterday was an interesting day for Watauga Animal Services, to say the least! 🦆💦
When we received a call about a duck at Capp Smith Park with netting tied around its foot, we were determined to help. Attempts to assist by boat weren’t successful — but when Plan A failed, Officer Maldonado-Torres said “guess we’re doing this the hard way” and jumped straight into the pond.
While the duck ultimately decided it was ready to make its great escape and flew away before we could free it (and probably has quite the story for its friends), we are SO proud of Officer Maldonado-Torres for being willing to literally swim the extra mile to help an animal in need.
Just another normal day around here. 😂💙"
LINK:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUqdxUiCLTr/NOTE:As a child I swam in my grandma's pond regularly but currently there is a avian flu pandemic so I am concerned for others...
"Swimming with or in close proximity to ducks in Watauga County, North Carolina, during February 2026 is
not advised due to a high, ongoing presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in wild bird populations, which peaks during winter months. While the risk to humans is considered low, HPAI is highly contagious and often fatal to water birds, and direct contact with infected birds or contaminated water can pose a risk to people.
Key Considerations for February 2026:
Peak HPAI Season: Winter is the prime time for HPAI outbreaks in North Carolina, as migratory birds congregate, aiding the rapid spread of the virus.
High-Risk Areas: Waterfowl (ducks and geese) are primary carriers of the virus, and the HPAI virus persists longer in cold, moist conditions.
Risks to Humans: While rare, human infection can occur through contact with saliva, mucus, or feces from infected birds, particularly if a person touches their eyes, nose, or mouth after contact.
Safety Precautions:
Do not feed wild ducks and geese, as this causes them to congregate, which helps spread the disease.
Avoid handling any sick or dead birds; report them to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
Keep pets away from wild birds and, if possible, avoid areas with heavy wild bird concentration.
If you are near lakes or rivers in the area, it is best to observe the wildlife from a distance and avoid contact with the water directly occupied by waterfowl".
COMMENT: There is nothing controversial or debatable about the avian flu and the toll it is taking in this state as well as other states and the world.
2026 US HPAI Tracking Thread
LINK:https://www.datareport.info/2026-tracking-threads/2026-us-hpai-tracking-thread/... C'mon man wear a mask when you play with the ducks... this ain't no joke.. act like professionals you are going to be in close contact with other animals the rest of the day ..have some respect for The NC Wildlife Resources Commission and for the NC department of agriculture...wear masks around wild birds right now because
avian flu is a serious problem right now... seriously
I'm sorry but Ya don't wanna give the impression it's safe to tread water of ducks right now to the general public. Also we don't want people endangering their own health and risk avian flu for a duck even if it is a remote risk..seriously!? a video of Watauga Animal Services guy treading water with a duck in worst Avian flu pandemic we have ever seen in history!? I'm sorry I have to be the bad guy and we have to take avian flu so seriously right now but you don't wanna tread the same water as ducks right now with all this avian flu going around ..trust me.
the public is concerned about avian flu right now so we want to see professionals taking precautions such as masking and wearing rubber gloves when handling various animals right now for the sake of the welfare of animals in general.
People, if you see an injured duck, a disoriented duck, a duck in need, or even a healthy looking duck entangled right now don't jump in the water with it. Avian flu is also asymptomatic meaning you can't always tell if its sick with avian flu or not.(more about what Asymptomatic in ducks under "Caveats" below)By the way a whole bunch of elephants seals in California just got avian flu in California ... bird flu has just about decimated elephant seal populations..if it can kill off those giant mammals, maybe we humans are next? How'd the elephant seals catch it? Did they catch it from swimming with ducks!?
It pays to be on the safe side and we simply have to take extra precautions to protect the animal, the flock, and even the human species when handling these beautiful creatures with this avian flu going around. The current H5N1 bird flu outbreak is the deadliest and most persistent in U.S. and global history...
,
"As of early 2026, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, is actively circulating in North Carolina
, with confirmed cases in various parts of the state, particularly among wild birds and some commercial or backyard flocks
Regional Risk: The NC Wildlife Resources Commission has confirmed that the virus is present in the state, and bird flu cases have been found in the western part of the state, including in Buncombe and Henderson counties, indicating the virus is present in mountain migratory paths.
Biosecurity Advice: The NC Department of Agriculture encourages all poultry owners to maintain strict biosecurity to prevent contact with wild birds."
"Yes, the current H5N1 bird flu outbreak is the deadliest and most persistent in U.S. and global history
, far surpassing previous outbreaks in terms of bird mortality, geographic spread, and environmental impact. Since 2022, it has caused over 168 million bird deaths in the U.S. and spread extensively to mammals, creating an unprecedented ecological and agricultural crisis.
Worst in History: This, specifically the clade 2.3.4.4b, is considered the deadliest avian influenza pandemic on record in the U.S..
Massive Scale: The outbreak is characterized by its long-lasting, year-round persistence and unprecedented spread, causing billions in economic damage and affecting dairy cows, pigs, and wild mammals.
Public Health Risk: While the current public health risk to the general public is considered low by the CDC, the virus's ability to mutate and infect mammals (including rare human cases) makes it a major concern.
Note: While devastating for animal populations, the current situation has not yet resulted in a human pandemic, unlike the 1918 influenza pandemic, but it is the most significant avian flu pandemic ever recorded"
More Caveats:Of course, Animal Services should also take precautions when taking in wild animals and be wary of introducing avian flu onto their premises.
"
ducks can be infected with
avian influenza (including H5N1) and remain completely asymptomatic while still shedding the virus and spreading it to other birds. As natural reservoirs for the virus, they often show no signs of illness, acting as hidden carriers that complicate surveillance and control efforts...
...Key facts about asymptomatic avian flu in ducks:
Asymptomatic Carriers: Unlike chickens, which often die quickly from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), ducks may show little to no sign of illness, serving as "silent carriers".
Viral Shedding: Even without symptoms, infected ducks can shed the virus through their feces and saliva for extended periods, contaminating water and environments.
Transmission Risk: Because they do not appear sick, ducks can transmit HPAI to domestic poultry, often leading to delayed detection, widespread outbreaks, and high mortality in other species.
Pathogenesis Differences: Research suggests that ducks have a lower, more controlled immune response (lower cytokine levels) to H5N1 compared to chickens, which may explain why they often do not show severe disease.
While they are often asymptomatic, they can sometimes exhibit mild to moderate clinical signs, such as neurological issues or respiratory symptoms."
...all this boils down to is you can't often tell by looking at a duck if its healthy or not. It can be sick and you don't know it!
Besides risking avian flu there are also other considerations before considering taking a plunge into murky fowl inhabited pond such as:
"Swimming with ducks in Watauga County, NC, is generally not safe due to
high fecal bacteria (E. coli) levels in areas populated by waterfowl, such as the Elk River and surrounding ponds. Bird droppings carry risks of Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Cryptosporidium. Always check local water quality via the Swim Guide App.
Key Safety Concerns:
High Bacterial Levels: Areas with many ducks and geese, such as the Elk River at Hickory Nut Gap (near the old Mill Pond), often exceed safe E. coli thresholds.
Health Risks: Exposure to contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illness, skin rashes, and infections from pathogens in bird feces.
Water Quality Alerts: Heavy rainfall increases runoff, further raising bacteria levels.
Algae Blooms: Watch for green, scummy water, which can indicate dangerous cyanobacteria blooms, potentially fatal to pets and harmful to humans.
Recommendations:
Avoid swimming in small, stagnant ponds with large waterfowl populations.
Check the Swim Guide website for real-time water quality data in the Watauga, Elk, and New River watersheds.
If you choose to swim, avoid swallowing water and shower immediately afterward."
Education is the key!
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more
I.E.;
"Testing Ducks for H5N1 Flu
A Conversation with Walter Harrington, PhD, MPH "...
LINK:https://www.idse.net/Multimedia/Article/03-26/testing-ducks-H5N1-bird-flu-walter-harrington/79968The Masked Man
P.S. Special note to first responders, emergency workers, & Watauga County government employeesDear Watauga County government employees,
Research indicates that people who work high risk professions and areas such as first responders and people that care for animals in emergency situations, and in the aftermath of major hurricanes, including Hurricane Helene, there is a significant, documented rise in mental health crises and an elevated risk of suicide among both residents and disaster response workers, which often includes county government employees...
Resources for Workers: Specific resources have been launched for those working on Hurricane Helene recovery, including:
Hope4NC Helpline (1-855-587-3463): Provides free, confidential, 24/7 mental health support for first responders and volunteers.
Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990): Provides 24/7 crisis counseling for people impacted by natural disasters.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Available for immediate support.
Don't be afraid to reach out for help.. somebody loves you even if you don't always know or believe that. You are important to all of us in our community,
We are in this together,
The Masked Man
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