ODFW: Steer Clear Of Dead Wild Birds

Oregon’s Department of Fish and Wildlife is again reminding everyone to stay away from sick or dead birds, as Avian Influenza persists in the state.

ODFW has received several new reports of flu-related bird deaths across Oregon, mostly in the Willamette Valley, among migrating cackling geese and some raptors.  Others have been reported in eastern Oregon and along the coast.

ODFW asks those who encounter groups of sick or dead wild birds, contact their wildlife health lab at 866-968-2600 or via E-mail.

What To Watch For In Wild Birds

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. Infected wild mammals may appear sick or neurologically abnormal, or be found dead after consuming infected birds, and should also be reported.

Birds typically die within 72 hours of showing clinical signs. Currently, rehabilitators in Oregon are advised not to accept waterfowl with bird flu symptoms due to the risk of the disease spreading to other birds in their facilities.

Bird Flu Felt Across Oregon, Nation

Since 2022, Oregon has experienced widespread outbreaks of HPAI in wild birds and domestic poultry. This virus has been detected in nearly every Oregon county. It has caused the deaths of more than 15,000 wild birds and the euthanasia of more than 183 million domestic poultry in North America.

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