SNOW GEESE FOUND SICK OR DEAD IN SUSSEX COUNTY TO BE TESTED FOR AVIAN INFLUENZA

Sussex County, DE - The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Agriculture, has announced that several snow geese found ill or deceased along the Sussex County coast have been sent to the University of Delaware Poultry Health System laboratory for testing. The geese are being examined for the potential presence of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI).

If HPAI is confirmed in these geese, including those discovered at Prime Hook Beach, it would represent the first detection of this disease in wild birds in the Delmarva region since May 2022.

At that time, HPAI was identified in black vultures in Harford County, MD, through wildlife surveillance. It is well known that HPAI is commonly carried by wild birds throughout North America, particularly waterfowl, raptors, and vultures.

All waterfowl hunters and individuals who may come across sick or dead wild birds are advised to exercise caution. Additional information on recommended precautions when encountering potentially HPAI-infected birds can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) also urges hunters to take care when handling their duck and goose harvests during the ongoing waterfowl season in Delaware.

Furthermore, an advisory has been issued to Delaware poultry farmers regarding the importance of following biosecurity procedures related to HPAI. Commercial poultry producers should immediately notify their respective companies if they observe any signs of the disease.

For backyard flock owners, any suspicions of HPAI in their flocks should be reported to the Delaware Poultry Health Hotline at poultry.health@delaware.gov or by calling 302-698-4507. They should also include their contact information, flock size, location, and specific concerns.

For more information on avian influenza, visit https://de.gov/poultry.