(SALEM, OR) — Many of the geese migrating through Oregon are showing signs of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), with many other sick and dead birds being reported to ODFW. The majority of these reports currently are from the Willamette Valley and the Cackling goose (a smaller subspecies of the Canada goose) appears to be the most heavily affected.
ODFW urges people to avoid contact with sick birds and keep pets away. Dead birds can be disposed of – it is recommended to wear disposable gloves and a mask, and double-bag the carcass before putting it in the trash.
There is no effective treatment for HPAI-infected wild and domestic birds, and the virus can spread rapidly among bird populations and potentially to other wildlife. Because of this, sick birds cannot go to a wildlife rehabilitation center and should not be captured live by the public.
ODFW’s Wildlife Health staff have been collecting and testing birds to track the outbreak. While the lab does not need additional collections of birds for HPAI testing, the public is encouraged to report groups of birds found dead without obvious signs of HPAI before death. The public can report these observations to the lab at 866-968-2600 or email wildlife.health@odfw.oregon.gov. With the high volume of reports, lab staff may not be able to call back.
Typical symptoms in wild waterfowl include lethargy, inability to fly, erratic behavior, loss of coordination, cloudy eyes, swimming in circles, and head shaking. However, some dabbling ducks may carry the virus without symptoms, spreading it through their feces to other birds and wetlands. Birds usually die within 72 hours of showing clinical signs.
Infected wild mammals may appear sick or neurologically abnormal, or be found dead after consuming infected birds, and should also be reported.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk to people is low. Since 2024, there have been 74 human cases of avian influenza in the United States, and three deaths. Check the CDCs avian influenza webpage for more information.
Report dead or sick domestic birds (chickens, turkeys, Guinea fowl) immediately to the Oregon Department of Agriculture by calling 503-986-4711 or 800-347-7028. Learn more on avian influenza in domestic bird and tips on protecting backyard flocks on ODAs webpage.
