Avian Influenza

canada goose and mallard duck floating on water

Wyoming is again documenting cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wildlife after a lull since early June.  The Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Wildlife Health Laboratory in cooperation with the Wyoming State Veterinary Lab (WSVL) has documented HPAI in eight wild birds since September 16th, 2022, including two turkey vultures from the University of Wyoming campus.  This resurgence of HPAI is likely due to exposure from migratory birds. Peak of fall bird migration in Wyoming is late September through mid-November.

The biggest risk of HPAI transmission to domestic poultry flocks comes from wild birds, particularly migratory waterfowl. These wild birds most often do not appear ill, despite being infected with the Avian Influenza virus. To reduce exposure of poultry to migratory waterfowl there are two important steps:

  1. Identify if you live near a water attractant(s) for wild water fowl, which puts your poultry at higher risk

  2. Take appropriate actions to ensure your poultry do not commingle with wild waterfowl

Additional information on HPAI and biosecurity recommendations to keep your flock safe can be found at the USDA APHIS Defend the Flock website: Defend the Flock Program


Human Health

The risk of HPAI to humans is low. There has only been one confirmed case of human infection in the United States, however people should continue to exercise caution in handling sick or dead birds.  

Reporting Sick Birds

Report any illness or unexplained deaths in birds, especially in wild waterfowl, raptors or domestic poultry, to the following:

Wild birds

  • WGFD Wildlife Health Laboratory, 307.745.5865, or Online HPAI reporting

  • Additional information including maps showing location of wild bird cases in Wyoming is available here: HPAI info and maps

Domestic poultry or waterfowl

  • Wyoming Livestock Board, 307-777-7515

  • Outside of regular business hours, please contact via cell phone

  • Dr. Hallie Hasel, 307-840-1389

  • Dr. Teckla Webb, 307-286-1447

  • USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Wyoming, 307-432-7960


 

Contact Us

Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory
1174 Snowy Range Rd
Laramie, WY 82070

Phone: (307) 766-9925
Toll Free: 1-800-442-8331
Fax: 307-721-2051
Email: vetrec@uwyo.edu


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