Bird Flu cases confirmed in Alaska

In a follow up to reporting on the Avian flu in Alaska, late last week, several cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) were confirmed in Alaska following testing through the Alaska Department of Conservation (DEC).

Working in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), the Alaska Office of the State Veterinarian (OSV), is posting information on confirmed cases in wild and domestic birds on its website to keep the public updated of where cases of HPAI have been detected.

In a press release, Dr. Robert Gerlach, Alaska State Veterinarian said, “We’ve now confirmed avian flu in several bald eagles on Unalaska in the Aleutian Islands, several Canada geese in the Anchorage area, and a Canada goose in Delta Junction,” while noting that additional wild birds have been collected by USFWS over the weekend for testing.

On April 29, 2022, the first case of HPAI in Alaska was confirmed in a non-commercial backyard flock of chickens and ducks in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

"With this confirmed case, it’s clear that migrating birds have brought avian influenza to Alaska this spring," said Dr. Gerlach. "We are relying on flock owners to keep an eye on their animals for signs of illness, and to report any possible cases of avian influenza promptly to their own veterinarian or to our office."

DEC reminds flock owners to be concerned if they note sudden deaths of multiple birds in their flock, nasal discharge, sneezing, and coughing, or respiratory distress. Other signs of HPAI include a significant drop in water consumption, diarrhea, lethargy, abnormal behavior or difficulty walking, blue discoloration and/or swelling of the comb and wattles, legs, or head.

While the risk to human health from this HPAI virus is very low, it is highly contagious among birds and can affect all types of domestic poultry. Dr. Gerlach said that while Alaskans should still get out and enjoy the outdoors heading into the summer, but reminded people to be cautious and avoid interacting with wild birds or allowing pets to interact with them.

The DEC also asked that people spotting and sick or dead birds to contact the USFWS Alaska Sick/Dead Bird Hotline at 1-866-527-3358. The USFWS website has information on the behaviors to look for that would suggest the bird has avian flu.

The OSV has also posted information on how to protect domestic birds from avian flu, and Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services has posted information and resources regarding human health concerns related to avian flu.