Bird Flu Suspected in Some Ohio Waterfowl

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife has collected and submitted samples from multiple dead wild birds to test for the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as H5N1, in Ohio. While awaiting test results from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory, ODNR is considering reports of dead birds in Auglaize, Erie, Huron, Logan, Lucas, Mercer, Montgomery, Richland, Sandusky, Stark and Warren counties as presumed positive for HPAI.

Earlier in December, California declared a state of emergency after bird flu cases were detected in dairy cows on farms in Southern California. The virus has spread in 16 states among dairy cattle, following its first confirmed detection in Texas and Kansas in March 2024. The USDA confirmed the virus had affected dairy herds in Ohio in April 2024.

Over the last few weeks, Canada geese, trumpeter swans, and one mallard have been reported dead and are being tested in Ohio, said ODNR.

HPAI has been detected in several states in recent months. The Division of Wildlife is working closely with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other state and federal agencies to monitor HPAI. The virus poses a low risk to the general public, said ODNR, and individuals are recommended to avoid handling sick or dead birds. If you absolutely must handle a dead bird to dispose of it, it's best to double bag and throw it out with household trash, said the agency.

Ohioans can report sick or dead wild birds suspected of HPAI at 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) or wildohio.gov. The following bird species should be reported: 

• Any raptor, such as a bald eagle.
• Waterfowl, such as geese or ducks. 
• Any other large congregation of sick or dead birds. 

HPAI occurs naturally in bird populations and is monitored closely by the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center. Native Ohio birds such as shorebirds, raptors and waterfowl are vulnerable to HPAI. Domestic chickens and turkeys are also vulnerable to HPAI. The virus is transmitted from bird to bird through feeding and interactions. More information about HPAI is available at aphis.usda.gov.