Avian flu confirmed in wild birds at multiple Alaska locations

• For immediate release: May 9, 2022
• Contacts: Dr. Robert Gerlach, 907-375-8215

Anchorage, AK — Late last week, several cases of cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) were confirmed in Alaska following testing through the Alaska Department of Conservation (DEC). The Department’s Office of the State Veterinarian, in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), is posting information on confirmed cases in wild and domestic birds on its website so that the public can be aware of where the avian flu has been found.

"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," said Dr. Robert Gerlach, Alaska State Veterinarian. "Additional wild birds were collected by USFWS over the weekend for testing."

Dr. Gerlach advised that Alaskans should still get out and enjoy the outdoors as we head into summer, but as a cautionary measure to avoid interacting with wild birds or allowing pets to interact with them. He asked that people keep an eye out and report any sick or dead birds that they see to the USFWS Alaska Sick/Dead Bird Hotline at 866-527-3358. The USFWS website has information on the behaviors to look for that would suggest the bird has avian flu.

"We appreciate that people across Alaska are watching for signs of avian flu and providing reports of what they observe, because DEC and our partners at ADF&G and USFWS can’t be everywhere," said Dr. Gerlach.

The Office of the State Veterinarian 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.