Dead geese found at Truxtun Lake positive for avian flu

The dozen or more Canada geese found dead in and around Truxtun Lake starting November 7 tested positive for avian influenza, according to an update from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

It’s not yet known if they had the H5 subtype, which is the more transmissible variety. The Wildlife Health Laboratory is still working on that, wrote Abby Gwinn, a biologist with CDFW.

Avian flu among wild birds is not uncommon. The virus typically subsides in spring and summer and resurfaces during fall migrations, according a fact sheet on the virus put out earlier this month by CDFW. Avian flu has been found in wild birds from Contra Costa to San Diego counties starting in October.

The virus typically spreads through direct bird-to-bird contact. But it can also spread to birds through contaminated surfaces including hands, shoes, clothing and hunting gear, according to the fact sheet.

The dead birds found in Bakersfield were in an area that is heavily visited by hikers, cyclists and anglers.

The deaths caused concern as there is heightened awareness about avian flu, which has been spreading through dairy cows in Tulare County and was contracted by several dairy workers.

The Centers for Disease Control considers the transmission risk of avian influenza to people to be low. But people should not handle sick or dead wild birds and keep their pets away from any carcasses as well, according to the CDFW fact sheet.

CDFW has asked the public to report any dead wild birds to the agency using its mortality reporting form. It may not be able to test all dead birds, but can use the mortality reports to track potential disease outbreaks.

Report sick and dead poultry to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) hotline at 1 (866) 922-2473.