Emmanuel the emu made a big splash earlier this year, but he’s on the verge of death after a bird flu swept through his farm…killing many of his owners’ other animals.
Taylor Blake shared the sad news on Saturday, saying their business — Knuckle Bump Farms — has been devastated by bird flu…which is why flocks of wild geese have been consistently After flying into their property — a raging flu that left behind a deadly strain.
We lost Emily, Eliza and Elliott. The virus hit them very hard and very quickly. I tried my best to save them, but it didn’t work. We lost all our chickens and ducks on our farm. We lost all our geese. We lost her 2 females black her swan. We lost both turkeys.
— Eco Sister (@hiitaylorblake) October 15, 2022
@hiitaylorblake
Blake says they lost 99% of their domesticated birds, including all of the ducks, geese, and chickens, not to mention some of the emus, including Emily, Eliza, and Elliott.
It sounds like Emmanuel and another emu named Rico are the only ones left alive right now – but TB says Emmanuel is currently recovering after unexpectedly collapsing Wednesday… apparently. It is the result of infection with the bird flu that is raging on their farm.
I have about 4 hours of sleep in 4 days BC. All that matters to me is saving him. He is now stable. His neurological symptoms have subsided, but he is still unable to eat or drink on his own. . pic.twitter.com/qXkTRE8Jb6
— Eco Sister (@hiitaylorblake) October 15, 2022
@hiitaylorblake
Blake says she is looking after him around the clock and that Emmanuel is fighting to stay alive. I am grateful and believe I will make a full recovery – despite some nerve damage.
She explains…that my best friend is making a comeback. I’m fine, we’re fine!”
Blake says he is working to get Emmanuel back to 100% recovery with physical therapy and is asking the public for prayers as well as help with Big Bird’s PT tips.
One last thing… It looks like water was sprayed all over Florida as a result of Hurricane Ian. Bird flu could have spread like crazy. It can be terrifying, especially if you have susceptible livestock. I hope Emmanuel gets through it.
