SWNPHD: Bird Flu Found in Wild Geese

For Immediate Release

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has received a report of wild geese in the health district that have tested positive for avian influenza, or bird flu.

There have been no human cases of bird flu in southwest Nebraska. This virus mainly affects birds and animals, and the risk to humans is low. It is still a good idea to take precautions around sick or dying wild birds.

What not to do:

1. Do not touch sick or dying wild birds without protective equipment (gloves, face covering, eye protection, waterproof boots or boot covers)
2. Do not harvest birds that appear sick or are found dead
3. Do not let pets or backyard poultry near sick or dead birds

What to do:

1. Wash your hands after visiting areas with wild birds
2. Disinfect your equipment and hunting gear
3. Clean and process birds outdoors and wear protective gear
4. Double bag the carcass and dispose of it; do not leave it for wild animals to scavenge
5. If a pet or backyard birds have contact with sick or dead birds, contact your veterinarian and let them know.
6. If a person has contact with sick or dying wild birds, watch for symptoms for 10 days afterwards (fever, cough or sore throat, red or irritated eyes, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, or diarrhea)

If you do get symptoms during the 10 days, talk to your medical provider or call SWNPHD and let them know that you had an exposure to sick or dying birds so they can coordinate the right tests and treatments.

Nebraska Game and Parks is monitoring wild birds in Nebraska for bird flu, and residents can report sick, dead, or abnormally behaving birds to their avian influenza https://outdoornebraska.gov/conservation/conservation-challenges/wildlife-diseases/avian-influenza/. 

For more information about avian influenza, visit cdc.gov/birdflu or contact SWNPHD at 308-345-4223. Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties.

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