Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza detected in snow geese in Henderson County

​FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 11, 2024) — The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has announced the confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in samples taken from snow geese at Sloughs Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Henderson County. The University of Georgia’s Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study Virology Laboratory confirmed the presence of HPAI after snow geese were found deceased on Dec. 4, 2024.

“Given the movement of migrating waterfowl and the seasonal patterns of wild birds, we anticipated seeing cases of HPAI,” said Dr. Christine Casey, wildlife veterinarian for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife.​​​

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is most commonly found in waterfowl, like geese, ducks and shorebirds, but does not typically affect common songbirds like sparrows or cardinals.​​​

“Songbirds are less susceptible to infection, and the virus is not commonly found in their populations,” Casey said.​​​

​​​While various low-pathogenic avian influenza strains circulate in wild birds, HPAI poses a greater risk due to its higher potential for transmission. The virus has been detected in wild mammals and has caused outbreaks in commercial and backyard poultry flocks, as well as in dairy cattle across the U.S. Infected birds spread the virus through saliva, mucus and feces. Symptoms in birds include respiratory issues, lethargy, incoordination and head tremors.

“States along the Mississippi Flyway are reporting a significant number of HPAI detections in migratory waterfowl," said John Brunjes, migratory bird program coordinator for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “With waterfowl season underway, waterfowl hunters should take precautions to protect themselves and their hunting dogs.”​​​

To minimize the risk of HPAI transmission, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife advises hunters to follow routine precautions when handling wild game:​​​

• Do not harvest, handle or consume wild birds that are obviously sick or otherwise found dead.
• Dress harvested waterfowl outside or in a well-ventilated area.
• Wear gloves and wash hands with soap and warm water after handling wild birds and disposing of carcasses. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Disinfect any equipment (knives and surfaces) that touch birds. Use dedicated tools for cleaning game and avoid using them around poultry or pet birds
• Do not eat, drink or smoke when handling or cleaning game.
• Double bag the feathers and other remains. Tie the inner bag, take off your gloves and leave them in the outer bag before tying it closed. Place the bag in the trash and close the lid on the receptacle. Discard in a trash can with a secure lid to prevent scavengers from getting the carcass.
• All game should be thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Do not feed dogs raw or undercooked meat from harvested game.
• Do not allow dogs to scavenge on carcasses or remains of wild birds.

​​​Poultry, pet bird and backyard flock owners are strongly urged to practice good biosecurity by minimizing contact between domestic flocks and wild birds. This includes changing outdoor clothes and shoes before interacting with domestic birds. Any signs of illness or increased mortality in flocks should be reported to a local veterinarian. Additionally, owners can make reports by contacting the Kentucky Department of Agriculture at 502-573-0282 or the USDA at 1-866-536-7593.

Although there have been confirmed human infections with HPAI, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the risk to human health remains low. Additionally, properly handled and cooked meat or eggs from wild or domestic birds do not pose a food safety risk.​​​

Hunters and wildlife watchers are encouraged to report observations of sick or dead waterfowl, raptors or groups of dead birds (five or more) through the agency’s sick or dead bird reporting portal or by calling the agency’s Information Center at 1-800-858-1549, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (ET), excluding holidays.

More information about HPAI and wild birds is available on Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s website at fw.ky.gov under Avian Influenza​.​​​