Avian Influenza has been confirmed in snow geese and other water birds from western Gibson County. Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources confirmed it after testing carcasses at the National Veterinary Services Lab.
More than 100,000 snow geese are present in the area and about 700 have been found dead. The DNR, in partnership with federal and private partners has increased surveillance of birds throughout the state to monitor for potential outbreaks.
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Michelle Benavidez Westrich, Fish and Wildlife Health Program supervisor for Indiana’s DNR, said this is the same strain of avian flu that has been affecting the country since spring.
“The strain of avian flu that’s circulating this year is affecting our birds a little more severely than usual,” she said. “So we're seeing a greater number of birds, they're dying in multiple states, including Indiana. And we're also seeing larger mortality events such as that's happening in Gibson County right now.”
Westrich asked that the public avoid coming in contact with any sick birds they find. Telltale signs of a bird sick with avian flu include lack of coordination, tremors and lethargy.
“Although this can be concerning, and many people do want to help, we do urge the public to leave those sick birds where they are, and the best thing you can do to help their case and to help us monitor avian influenza in our states is to use our online reporting tool,” she said.
To report a sick bird, visit on.in.gov/sickwildlife.
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