North Dakota Game and Fish monitors avian flu outbreak

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is monitoring a mortality event involving Canada geese along the Missouri River and Nelson Lake in Oliver County.

Further testing of the bird carcasses indicated that highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI is likely behind the deaths. The carcasses have been reported where large groups of geese gather near open water.

This virus can cause sickness and death in free-ranging waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors.

These cases of HPAI are common in North Dakota as waterfowl migrate through and winter in the area.

While the risk to humans and pets is low, direct contact with sick or dead birds should be limited.

Carcasses can be placed in a garbage bag and disposed of by a waste management provider.

Use of disposable gloves is highly recommended, as well as washing hands, clothes, and equipment after handling the dead birds.

HPAI can also affect domestic birds. Poultry owners are recommended to take biosecurity measures such as keeping visitors to a minimum, washing hands before and after contact with poultry, changing clothes before and after exiting their property, and checking the birds for signs of disease.

To report sick or dead domestic poultry to the state veterinarian, call (701) 328-2655.

The Game and Fish Department asks the public to help in monitoring the outbreak in wild birds by reporting any sick or dead birds through the online form gf.nd.gov/mortality-report.

More information about HPAI can be found at www.fws.gov/avian-influenza.

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