Avian flu detected in dozens of geese found dead in NH
Dozens of geese have been found dead in New Hampshire after contracting avian flu.Just a few weeks ago, dozens of birds in Derry had to be euthanized after avian flu was detected at an animal sanctuary.On Wednesday, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department said at least 70 wild geese tested positive for avian flu.They were found dead in the area of the Bellamy River in Dover over the course of several weeks in late February and early March.Two months ago, Fish and Game said 46 mallards in Rockingham county and 3 other ducks in Grafton county also had this strain of the virus.”It’s not unusual to find different strains of avian influenza and we’ve documented that in the past, but this is the first time we’ve documented a highly pathogenic form,” Fish and Game Wildlife Division Chief Dan Bergeron said.The risk to humans is low, as Fish and Game Department officials said they mostly see bird flu among people who work closely with the animals.The threat is usually greater to domestic poultry.“If you can keep your birds separated from particularly waterfowl, that goes a long way in protecting them. If anybody has sick birds that they’re observing, if they’re domestic, they would want to contact State Department of Agriculture,” Bergeron said. Fish and Game Department leaders said they can’t test every dead bird that gets reported to them. Instead, they will test if it’s unusual or if there’s a large group of animals that dies.If you have or see sick birds, Fish and Game says to call the State Department of Agriculture.
Dozens of geese have been found dead in New Hampshire after contracting avian flu.
Just a few weeks ago, dozens of birds in Derry had to be euthanized after avian flu was detected at an animal sanctuary.
On Wednesday, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department said at least 70 wild geese tested positive for avian flu.
They were found dead in the area of the Bellamy River in Dover over the course of several weeks in late February and early March.
Two months ago, Fish and Game said 46 mallards in Rockingham county and 3 other ducks in Grafton county also had this strain of the virus.
“It’s not unusual to find different strains of avian influenza and we’ve documented that in the past, but this is the first time we’ve documented a highly pathogenic form,” Fish and Game Wildlife Division Chief Dan Bergeron said.
The risk to humans is low, as Fish and Game Department officials said they mostly see bird flu among people who work closely with the animals.
The threat is usually greater to domestic poultry.
“If you can keep your birds separated from particularly waterfowl, that goes a long way in protecting them. If anybody has sick birds that they’re observing, if they’re domestic, they would want to contact State Department of Agriculture,” Bergeron said.
Fish and Game Department leaders said they can’t test every dead bird that gets reported to them. Instead, they will test if it’s unusual or if there’s a large group of animals that dies.
If you have or see sick birds, Fish and Game says to call the State Department of Agriculture.
Read More:Avian flu detected in dozens of geese found dead in NH