Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was found in a Canadian Goose at the State Hospital grounds late January in Evansville.
It was submitted to Purdue Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, and on Wednesday it came back as “non-negative,” the designation the state uses when not testing in federal labs.
Eli Fleace, Fish and Wildlife Health biologist with the DNR, said this problem can be described as an “epidemic,” specifically a pan-zootic epidemic.
“Across the country, there's been a resurgence of this virus in waterfowl species, and it's caused large die-offs in multiple different species across North America,” Fleece said. “It usually affects geese more than other species, but we've seen die-offs in species like sandhill cranes … or some species of ducks.”
This disease has been found in all 48 continental US states. It’s especially devastating for domestic poultry.
Anyone keeping domestic poultry should be aware, he said.
“Signs of avian influenza include bright green diarrhea, respiratory issues, loss of control of their neck and shaking,” Fleece said. “So if you see any of those signs, contact your veterinarian and the Board of Animal Health.”
Fleece suggests reporting mass waterfowl deaths by going to this DNR website.
He said HPAI can be spread to humans, but is a lower risk and can be prevented with safety measures. When handling a poultry carcass, wear gloves and a mask, especially with one suspected of dying from HPAI.
The disease has also been detected in Henderson and Gibson Counties.
The avian exhibits at the Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden have also been closed in the past out of concern for HPAI exposure.
The zoo is monitoring the problem and taking measures to avoid the introduction of outside birds into zoo enclosures.
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