Goose deaths may indicate virulent bird flu strain in Boulder County
Jan. 20—Colorado public health and wildlife officials are urging caution around dead birds as an especially virulent strain of avian flu is causing geese deaths around the state.
In Boulder County, the University of Colorado Boulder this week reported finding dead geese on campus, including 17 at the pond at 28th Street and Colorado Avenue, and two at the pond near the Kittredge residence halls.
The birds found on campus follow the same pattern seen at other sites, with dead birds found near bodies of water with no wounds or other signs of trauma, according to CU Boulder officials.
Longmont residents also have reported dead geese at ponds around the city, including at Loomiller Park, according to Longmont Animal Control.
Local reports, along with the prevalence of avian flu in wild bird populations around the state, is prompting local health officials to urge caution. People are asked not to touch dead birds they find on public lands and to keep dogs leashed.
Kara Van Hoose, Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson, said she doesn't know if specific flocks in Boulder County have been tested for highly pathogenic avian influenza. But, she said, the virus generally has been the culprit when there are dead birds in large numbers.
Along with keeping distance from dead birds, she said, people should avoid birds acting strangely that might be infected.
To limit risk when disposing of dead birds on private property, Boulder County Public Health officials recommend wearing a mask, eye protection like sunglasses and gloves. People should use a long-handled shovel, put the dead bird in double bags and place it in an outdoor trash container, according to health officials.
While avian flu is not commonly transmitted to humans from geese or other birds, according to the Centers for Disease Control, health officials still urge caution. Migrating birds also may expose domestic poultry to the disease.
Nationally, nearly 40 million hens have died or been euthanized because of avian flu outbreaks that started in February, the U.S. Agriculture Department reported. Over the past year, the agency has confirmed cases of the virus in 46 states, including Colorado.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, more than 2,000 snow geese near the towns of Brush and Fort Morgan in Morgan County have died since Nov. 20 because of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Smaller numbers of birds also have died in locations around the state, including a larger outbreak in southeastern Colorado, while outbreaks in wild birds and poultry continue to rise nationally.
To date, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in all four North American migration flyways. The disease is expected to persist through spring migrations.
Those who find three or more dead wild birds in a specific area within two weeks or see live birds showing clinical signs of disease, should contact a local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office.
The Denver Post contributed to this report.