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Wildlife Health Alert
On September 26, 2025, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources received notification that a Black Vulture collected from Scott County was suspect positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), pending confirmatory testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories. This Black Vulture was initially collected following reports of a die-off involving multiple dead vultures in the area.
Additionally, on September 24, 2025, the Wildlife Health Program received a report of more than 70 dead vultures found in Boone County. A carcass from Boone County has been submitted for HPAI testing, with results pending.
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.
Symptoms of HPAI in infected birds include incoordination, droopy wings, lethargy, unwillingness to fly, swimming in circles, and head tremors.
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.
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.
Waterfowl hunters should follow routine precautions when handling wild game:
Report sick or dead waterfowl, raptors including hawks and eagles, vultures, or groups of dead birds (5 or more) by reporting observations via the online reporting form.
More information, including printable resources on HPAI, is available on Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's Avian Influenza webpage.
Date Published: Oct. 3, 2025