OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said it believes some waterfowl in a handful of counties were affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), otherwise known as bird flu.

What You Need To Know

  • Dead birds including Canadian geese, trumpeter swans and a mallard have been submitted for testing

  • The dead birds were from Erie, Huron, Lucas, Mercer, Montgomery, Richland, Sandusky and Warren counties

  • Ohioans can report sick or dead birds to the ODNR by calling 800-945-3543 or by going to ODNR's website.

ODNR said it has collected and submitted samples of multiple dead birds for testing, including Canadian geese, trumpeter swans and a mallard. Officials say the dead birds being tested were in Erie, Huron, Lucas, Mercer, Montgomery, Richland, Sandusky and Warren counties.

It’s the latest string of either suspected or positive bird flu cases in Ohio animals. Earlier this week, officials confirmed nearly 1 million chickens in Darke County tested positive for the disease.

ODNR said it’s working closely with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other agencies to help monitor the spread of HPAI. ODNR said while it doesn’t present an immediate public health concern, it advises residents from handling sick or dead birds as a precaution.

Current cases of the bird flu in Ohio and the U.S. can be tracked using the WHISPers system, which can be found here.

According to ODNR, birds may exhibit the following symptoms if affected by HPAI:

  • Decreased egg production
  • Sudden death without clinical signs
  • Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles and hocks
  • Nasal discharge
  • Lack of coordination

Ohioans can report sick or dead birds to the ODNR by calling 800-945-3543 or by going to ODNR's website.

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