Initial tests are showing that a string of dead geese found in the Village of Howard has tested positive for bird flu.
Earlier in December, animal control collected 17 dead geese from Duck Creek Quarry in Howard and other parts of Brown County.
Since then, the number of dead or dying geese collected for testing is up to 53.
The Green Bay Press Gazette reports that, according to a Wisconsin DNR wildlife disease specialist, those preliminary tests were consistent with the H5N1 strain of bird flu.
These tests remain just preliminary as the results must be confirmed by the National Veterinary Service Laboratories which may take some time due to the volume of samples they’ve received.
Geese or other birds experiencing bird flu will show symptoms of nasal discharge, sneezing, tremors, and odd positioning of the head.
Transmission of bird flu to humans remains quite rare unless in close and persistent contact with a sick bird, as is the case with the first confirmed human case in Wisconsin last year in Barron County.
The Village of Howard asks anyone who finds dead or sick birds to call animal control at 920-530-1044.
