The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza has been spreading in wild birds in Utah since November 2024. The current outbreak has been ongoing in the U.S. since 2022, but typically spreads more during the spring and fall bird migrations. “The outbreak is still ongoing, so we are still advising anyone who finds a group of five or more dead waterfowl or shorebirds — or any individual dead scavengers or raptors — to report it to the nearest DWR office. Make sure you don’t touch the birds or pick them up,” shares DWR Veterinarian Ginger Stout. “Report it to us, and we will come collect them for testing. We are continuing to monitor this virus in wild bird populations. This particular strain is affecting more wild birds and is more widespread than the last outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the U.S.” The most common wild birds impacted by the virus are waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors and scavengers. The virus is spread among birds through nasal and oral discharge, as well as fecal droppings. It can be spread to backyard poultry and domestic birds through contaminated shoes or vehicles.
