The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is currently monitoring a mortality event affecting Canada geese in Oliver County, specifically along the Missouri River and Nelson Lake. Recent tests on carcasses suggest that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is the probable cause of these deaths. Reports indicate that carcasses are being found in areas where large groups of geese gather near open water.
HPAI can lead to significant illness and fatalities among free-ranging waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors. The presence of HPAI is not uncommon in North Dakota as it is detected regularly when waterfowl migrate through or spend the winter in the state.
The department encourages public participation in tracking this outbreak by reporting any sightings of sick or deceased birds using their online form at gf.nd.gov/mortality-report.
