PRIME HOOK BEACH, Del. – The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) says a number of snow geese found dead in Sussex County on Friday are victims of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1, or avian influenza. We are investigating whether it was.
Multiple geese found to be sick or dead were sent to the University of Delaware Poultry Health System to determine if a contagious strain of avian influenza was involved in their deaths, DNREC said. If the bird found at Prime Hook Beach in Sussex County tests positive, it would be Delmarva’s first confirmed wild bird case since May 2022, officials said.
Maryland state officials last week urged poultry farmers to take precautions against avian influenza infection, as cases of the virus are rapidly increasing across the United States.
DNREC urges waterfowl hunters and anyone who encounters dead or diseased birds to use caution. See below for more information on what to do if you come into contact with sick wild birds. These protocols.
Delaware poultry farmers are advised to continue operating in accordance with biosecurity protocols against avian influenza, and commercial producers are asked to contact the company if they notice any signs of avian influenza. .
If backyard flock owners notice signs of avian influenza, call the Delaware Poultry Health Hotline at 302-698-4507.
On Saturday, Dec. 28, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management and the Delaware Department of Agriculture announced that laboratory tests have confirmed that “type H5 birds were found in sick and dead snow geese collected off the coast on Dec. 27, 2024. A presumptive positive result for influenza was obtained.” Sussex County. ”
DNREC said it is still unclear when and where the snow geese contracted the virus. More than 40 birds have been reported to DNREC since the first presumptive positive case was detected in Sussex County this week, state officials said.
Click here for more information about avian influenza. here.
