Wild aquatic birds including gulls, terns, and shorebirds, and wild waterfowl such as ducks, geese and swans are considered reservoirs (natural hosts) for avian influenza (AI). Most wild birds infected with bird flu viruses are asymptomatic (i.e., do not exhibit signs or symptoms of illness). The waterbirds being found with AI have tested positive for the high pathogenic form (HPAI). Currently there has been some mortality from HPAI in snow geese and swans here in western Washington. If you encounter sick or dead waterfowl please report them immediately to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Swan Hotline at 360-466-4345 x266 Leave your name and contact number, the species you found, and the location of the bird(s). Do not touch or pick-up these birds. Thank you for keeping an eye out to help our waterfowl, especially swans.
For more information on this topic please visit the WDFW website
For more information on this topic please visit the WDFW website
For a great explanation of what is known about Avian Influenza, how it affects humans, mammals, domestic birds, and wild birds, please see this video
Avian Influenza – A Primer
Katie Haman DVM, WDFW Wildlife Diversity Veterinarian and Kristin Mansfield DVM, WDFW Senior Wildlife Veterinarian
