Bird flu, or avian influenza H5N1, has been a health concern since 2022 when the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported an outbreak in wild birds. With positive animal cases rising, a few humans in the U.S. being infected, and growing public concern, the Southeast Health Department wanted to provide some additional information on the current state of bird flu in our communities.
While called bird flu, positive infections have been found in other animals such as cows, foxes, and skunks. Wild and domestic animals are both at risk. The list below shows the most common wild birds found infected. Shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, and scavengers (hawks, owls, ravens, and vultures) are among the species affected. Songbirds are not usually impacted by this disease (Source: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources).
According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, a total of 4 wild birds have tested positive in our jurisdiction. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food has no record of positive cases in domestic animals for Carbon, Emery, or Grand Counties. If you find any groups (five or more) of dead wild birds, call the local DWR office at 435-613-3700. If you are concerned about bird flu in your domestic animals, call the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food at 801-982-2200.
