Bird flu cases causing concern for Northwest Missouri

A “highly pathogenic avian influenza virus,” most commonly known as bird flu is spreading across the United States, including in Northwest Missouri.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, birds have been tested across the state for the disease and several Northwest Missouri counties have seen positive test results. These counties include DeKalb, Andrew, Holt and Gentry.

“We did have a die-off in Loess Bluff National Wildlife Refuge, which is also up in that region,” said Erin Woodiel, media specialist with the Missouri Department of Conservation. “That is where the disease spreads to the entire flock, and we have a massive amount of birds that all die from influenza as opposed to just finding one or two.”

Officials said it’s mostly snow geese that have tested positive for the disease in Northwest Missouri. However, they confirmed that this type of bird has flown mostly toward southern areas of the state this deep into the winter season, so fewer positive tests are appearing.

The positive tests are only in individual raptors, which can be transmitted to domestic animals such as poultry.

Conservation experts said that avian influenza being contracted by humans is rare and not considered an immediate emergency, but people should use caution when coming in contact with birds.

“We largely see avian influenza being transmitted from bird species to bird species, especially ones, that are wild birds such as raptors or waterfowl,” Woodiel said. “But we still urge that people use common sense when finding dead birds on the ground and don’t touch them. If you are concerned about them, report it to your county’s conservation agent."