Employee Safety Avian Influenza

By Jerry Fritz, District 5 safety representative

Recently, a cat in Thermopolis tested positive for the Bird Flu (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza). It is the first cat in the United States to contract this disease.

It contracted the disease after likely ingesting meat from wild waterfowl. Two great horned owls from Park County, one Canadian goose from Bighorn County, and two Canadian geese from Fremont County have tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department have been monitoring for the virus’s presence in wild birds. While rare, this disease can be transmitted to humans. The presence of the virus in Wyoming was identified by the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory and confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. Game and Fish is relying on reports from the public to learn more about the distribution in our state – especially from hunters and people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Anyone who finds clusters of three or more dead wild birds – waterfowl, grouse, turkeys and raptors – please contact your regional Game and Fish office.

Wild birds can carry the virus and not appear sick. Some birds might exhibit signs of neurological impairment or may be found dead with no apparent cause.

Game and Fish reminds the public to not touch, or handle, sick or dead birds, and not allow domestic animals like dogs and cats to feed on sick or dead birds.

If you see dead clusters of dead birds, proceed with caution. Wear proper personal protective equipment (gloves and masks) if you have to handle any dead animals.

Contact a Wyoming Game and Fish office near you for more information: Casper (307) 473-3400; Cody, (307) 527-7125; Green River, (307) 875-3223; Jackson, (307) 733-2321; Lander, (307) 332-2688; Laramie, (307) 745-4046; Pinedale, (307) 3674353; or the Sheridan, (307) 672-7418.