Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) confirmed an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, in numerous flocks of geese in the Reno and Sparks area. The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) has advised students to avoid any contact with sick or deceased birds on campus.
An email sent by the Office of the President states that the University is aware of affected geese near Manzanita Lake and is now in coordination with NDOW.
UNR officials have instructed anyone who comes across a sick or dead bird to not “touch, handle, move, or attempt to rescue the bird.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people to avoid direct contact with sick or deceased birds because avian influenza viruses can spread through exposure to infected animals and contaminated materials. According to the CDC, human infections are rare, but those who have close encounters or unprotected contact with infected animals are at a greater risk of infection.
If you encounter a sick or dead bird, you can report the location to a couple University contacts. You can call Mark Young from Risk Management at (775) 682-6105 or email him at BC*****@*nr.edu. You can also reach Dr. Ben Weigler, senior director of Animal Resources and campus veterinarian, at bw******@*nr.edu
Sick birds or wild-bird mortality can be reported to NDOW at (775) 688-1500 or through email at nd******@**ow.org.
The University says they will continue to work alongside state wildlife officials to monitor conditions. They will provide updates if circumstances or public health guidance changes.
