Increase in avian influenza cases reported among wild birds in the Texas Panhandle

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - As colder temperatures settle into the Texas Panhandle, wildlife experts are warning of a rise in avian influenza cases among wild bird populations.

Stephanie Brady, executive director of the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WWWRC) says her team has already confirmed multiple cases in several bird species.

Those include geese, a red-tailed hawk, and two great horned owls. Additional birds have been sent off for testing.

Brady says the virus tends to thrive in colder weather, allowing it to survive longer on surfaces and in water.

“It can live quite a long time in the water, on different surfaces,” said Brady. “Plus, you have a lot of birds congregating, especially your waterfowl.”

Seasonal migration and large gatherings of birds, particularly waterfowl such as ducks and geese also increase the risk of spread.

“Temperatures are getting colder, we are starting to see avian influenza,” said Brady. “We’ve had several confirmed cases, so we would rather you not pick up birds, definitely not waterfowl or raptors. Call us first and let one of our team members go out and wear the proper PPE to capture the animal.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), there have been 14 confirmed avian influenza cases in the Texas Panhandle this year.

Confirmed cases by county include:

• Carson: 1 cackling goose
• Dallam: 1 raven and 1 red-tailed hawk
• Deaf Smith: 1 cackling goose
• Harris: 1 Muscovy duck
• Potter: 2 unidentified geese and 3 snow geese
• Randall: 3 unidentified geese and 1 snow goose

While officials say the risk to humans remains low, wildlife experts continue to urge residents not to handle sick or deceased birds.

Any suspected cases should be reported to trained professionals to reduce the risk of exposure and further spread of the virus.