The Nevada Department of Wildlife, working with the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, has confirmed an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in multiple wild goose flocks throughout the Reno‑Sparks area.

What residents should do

If you see a sick or dead goose, contact NDOW at (775) 688‑1500 to report the location. For birds found on city or county parks, call City of Reno Parks at (775) 334‑2270 or Washoe County Parks at (775) 828‑6612 for removal.

When handling a dead bird, double‑bag it and place it in municipal waste. Wear gloves, an N95 mask, and eye protection. If you have poultry, change clothes and shoes afterward.

Protecting backyard poultry

• Keep chickens and other domestic birds in secure enclosures away from wild waterfowl.
• Use dedicated clothing and footwear when caring for poultry.
• Clean and disinfect tools, equipment, and feed containers after each use.
• Store feed securely and avoid placing wild‑bird feeders near poultry areas.
• Watch for unusual behavior, illness, or sudden deaths in your flock.
• Contact a veterinarian if birds appear sick and report high mortality to the Nevada Department of Agriculture at [email protected].

Symptoms in birds

Infected geese may show sneezing, coughing, eye or nasal discharge, swelling around the eyes, abnormal head or neck positioning, poor balance, circling, fluid buildup in the legs, skin redness, diarrhea with green feces, weakness, lethargy, depression, or sudden death.

Human risk

According to NDOW, HPAI rarely spreads to humans or livestock. When transmission does occur, symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, eye irritation, headaches, runny nose, body aches, and gastrointestinal upset. Transmission typically happens through direct contact with infected animals, carcasses, or contaminated surfaces without proper protective gear.

Why this matters

Early detection and swift reporting help protect both wildlife and the community’s backyard poultry operations. By following the recommended safety steps, residents can limit the spread of this disease and safeguard public health.

Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.