Public asked to report groups of dead birds

Wyoming Game & Fish has now detected cases of bird flu in wild birds within this state. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI, commonly known as bird flu) was already known to be affecting back yard poultry in Wyoming.

The national outbreak has caused die-offs in both domestic and wild birds in states as close to home as South Dakota, Nebraska and Colorado. The public is asked to report groups of dead birds.

“Anyone who finds clusters of three or more dead wild birds – especially waterfowl and other water-birds – please contact the Game and Fish Wildlife Health Laboratory,” said Jessica Jennings-Gaines, Game and Fish wildlife disease specialist. “We’re also asking for reports of any number of raptors or bird-scavenger species – like crows and vultures – exhibiting signs of neurological impairment or being found dead with no apparent cause.” 

Detection of the disease was not unexpected after it had been found in domestic birds. According to Wyoming Game & Fish, positive tests have been confirmed in two great horned owls in Park County, a Canada goose in Bighorn County and two Canada geese from Fremont County.

“We expected to see HPAI in wild birds after it was identified in domestic flocks in Wyoming,” said Hank Edwards, Wildlife Health Laboratory supervisor.  “Game and Fish is relying on reports from the public to learn more about the distribution in our state – especially from hunters and people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Anyone who finds clusters of three or more dead wild birds – waterfowl, grouse, turkeys and raptors – please contact your regional Game and Fish office.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, bird flu has now been detected in wild birds in 31 states and poultry in 26 states.

No human cases have been detected in the United States. However, Game and Fish reminds the public that bird flu is a zoonotic disease, which means it does have the ability to infect humans. For this reason, handling or touching dead or sick birds or allowing domestic animals such as dogs and cats to feed on them is not recommended.

Wild birds may not appear sick despite being infected with this disease. However, they may exhibit signs of neurological impairment or be found dead with no apparent cause.