Game and Fish Monitoring Avian Influenza Outbreak

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. Testing of carcasses has indicated that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is the likely cause. Carcasses have been reported where large congregations of geese occur near open water. 

The virus can cause high levels of sickness and death in free ranging waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors. Cases of HPAI are commonly detected in North Dakota as waterfowl migrate through, and winter in the state.

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.

The risk to humans and pets is considered low. However, direct contact with sick or dead birds should be limited. Carcasses that must be moved can be placed in a garbage bag and disposed via a waste management provider. Wear disposable gloves and wash hands, clothes and equipment afterward. 

HPAI can affect domestic birds. Recommendations for poultry owners include biosecurity measures such as: keeping visitors to a minimum, washing hands before and after contact with live poultry, changing clothes before and after exiting their property, and looking for signs of illness. Report sick or dead domestic poultry to the state veterinarian’s office at 701-328-2655.

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