BISMARCK – The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is monitoring sick and dead birds statewide in response to an increase in reporting.
Dr. Logan Weyand, Department wildlife veterinarian, said Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is likely the cause and has been confirmed through testing this fall.
He said the disease coincides with the reports of the birds being snow geese and other waterfowl. These are seeing seasonal migration and it’s expected, Weyand said.
He said disease risk to humans and pets is low but can occur. While limited contact with dead birds is recommended, if carcasses must be removed, the public is encouraged to wear disposable gloves, and to wash their hands and clothes after placing carcasses in a garbage bag and disposing of them via a waste management provider.
