Bird Flu Reports Rise Among Ducks and Geese in Willamette Valley

Oregon wildlife officials are reporting an increase in sick and dead ducks and geese, with most reports coming from the Willamette Valley as migrating birds move through the state.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a Nov. 9 release that many geese are showing signs of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. Cackling geese, which resemble smaller Canada geese, appear to be the most heavily affected.

ODFW is asking people to keep their distance from sick birds and prevent pets from approaching them. People should not try to capture birds showing signs of illness or take them to a wildlife rehabilitation center. The agency said there is no effective treatment for infected wild or domestic birds, and bringing them into a facility could spread the virus to other birds.

Signs of infection in waterfowl can include unusual tiredness, an inability to fly, poor coordination, cloudy eyes, head shaking and swimming in circles. Birds that develop symptoms often die within 72 hours, according to ODFW.

Some ducks can carry the virus without appearing sick. Those birds can spread it through their droppings, exposing other birds and contaminating wetlands.

The disease can also affect mammals that eat infected birds. ODFW asks people to report wild mammals that appear unusually ill, show neurological problems or are found dead after consuming birds.

Wildlife health staff are collecting and testing birds to monitor the outbreak. Although the agency said it does not need additional birds collected by the public for testing, it still wants reports of groups of birds found dead without obvious signs of bird flu before their deaths.

Reports can be made to ODFW’s Wildlife Health Lab at 866-968-2600 or wildlife.health@odfw.oregon.gov. Staff may be unable to return every call because of the volume of reports.

For anyone disposing of a dead bird, ODFW recommends wearing disposable gloves and a mask, placing the carcass inside two bags and putting it in the trash. The agency’s avian influenza webpage also advises keeping discarded birds out of reach of children, pets and wildlife.

The Nov. 9 release states that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the risk to people low. Avoiding contact with sick or dead birds remains a key precaution.

Owners of chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl and other domestic birds should report sick or dead birds immediately to the Oregon Department of Agriculture at 503-986-4711 or 800-347-7028. Information about protecting backyard flocks is available on the department’s avian influenza webpage.