Emmanuel, Viral TikTok Emu, Fighting for His Life and Experiencing Nerve Damage With Deadly Avian Flu

thewrap.com:

revealed on social media Saturday.Blake said that the farm has lost 99% of its bird population, with Emmanuel and another bird, Rico, being the sole survivors.

The flu was introduced by a flock of wild Egyptian geese, and Blake said the standing water following Hurricane Ian’s arrival is the likely cause of the virus’ rampant propagation. (As a whole, the U.S.

is in the midst of a “highly pathogenic” avian flu outbreak, which has affected more than 47 million birds since January 2022 and marks the first detection of the continually mutating virus since 2016.)Emmanuel began showing symptoms of the virus on Wednesday, Blake said, and has since experienced nerve damage in his right leg and is unable to eat or drink on his own.

Along with the help of her veterinarian, avian specialist and girlfriend, Blake has been treating the bird with round-the-clock care, emphasizing that she is following “every precaution recommended by the FDA.” Blake and her girlfriend have also designed a custom avian sling for Emmanuel’s leg.“He has a long road ahead, but I know in my heart that God is healing him,” Blake wrote, adding that she is asking for prayers and “all good energy,” as well as the consultation of any large bird physical therapists. “I know all of this won’t be in vain.