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Wildlife officials are monitoring bird flu activity across North Dakota as fall migration brings increased sightings of sick and dead waterfowl.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department said they’ve confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly known as the Bird Flu, in migrating wild birds this fall in the state. Most of the reports involved snow geese and other migratory waterfowl, which aligns with typical patterns seen during seasonal migration.
Officials with the NDGFD said the risk to humans and pets is low, but caution that while uncommon, infections can occur. They recommend avoiding direct handling of dead wild birds. One person in Washington State recently gained national attention after a positive diagnosis.
Livestock and poultry owners are being reminded to review bio-security steps, as the state’s agriculture agency lists several HPAI detections in wild and domestic birds this year.
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