Wildlife Health Alert: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

RECENT DETECTIONS OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA IN WATERFOWL

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources would like to inform the public of a recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Kentucky. The Department has recently received notification of HPAI detections in two Canada geese in Jefferson County, one found in a residential neighborhood and the other on Louisville Zoo property. Both detections were confirmed at a regional laboratory and mark the first HPAI detections in wild waterfowl reported this fall. These detections in wild birds follow the recent confirmation of HPAI in a backyard flock of domestic ducks and geese in Jefferson County.

WHAT IS HPAI?

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is an infectious disease caused by a group of influenza A viruses. These viruses naturally occur in wild waterfowl and shorebirds, but they can infect other wild and domestic bird species, as well as mammals, including humans. The viruses are often classified into two categories: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) based on the severity of the disease they cause. HPAI is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among bird populations. The virus is spread through contact with infected birds, their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces.

WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL SIGNS OF HPAI?

Symptoms of HPAI in infected birds include incoordination, droopy wings, lethargy, unwillingness to fly, swimming in circles, and head tremors.

DOES HPAI AFFECT PEOPLE OR OTHER ANIMALS?

HPAI can cause severe illness and death in infected birds. It has also been detected in various wild mammal species in multiple states, including Kentucky. Additionally, HPAI has caused outbreaks in commercial and backyard poultry flocks, as well as in dairy cows. While there have been reported cases of HPAI infections in people, the risk of infection to the public remains low.

RECOMMENDATIONS

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.

The public should follow routine precautions when coming into proximity to wild birds:

• Do not allow pets near dead or sick birds.
• Clean shoes that have come into contact with waterfowl feces and wash hands with soap and water after outdoor activities, especially after contact with birds or their habitats.
• Dedicate specific clothes and shoes for outdoor use around backyard flocks or livestock and avoid wearing them elsewhere.

• Do not harvest, handle, or consume wild birds that are obviously sick or otherwise found dead.
• Field dress harvested waterfowl outside or in a well-ventilated area.
• 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.

REPORT SICK OR DEAD WILD BIRDS

Report sick or dead waterfowl, raptors including hawks and eagles, vultures, or groups of dead birds (5 or more) by submitting observations through the HPAI online reporting form.

MORE INFORMATION

More information, including an updated map and printable resources on HPAI, is available on Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's Avian Influenza webpage.

Date Published: Oct. 30, 2026​