K-State won't take poultry or wild birds with bird flu

MANHATTAN (KSNT) - The Kansas State University (K-State) Veterinary Health Center reported Tuesday it is not taking any more poultry or wild birds due to a rise in bird flu cases.

K-State issued a press release on Dec. 24 saying it won't be accepting poultry or wild birds due to the risk to animals and staff. Poultry species include chickens, turkeys, quail, pheasants and waterfowl, according to K-State. Veterinarians with the university's Veterinary Health Center will still admit pet birds like parrots and canaries.

Recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that certain mammals and humans have been infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza or bird flu this year. Bird flu has also been found in dairy cows and dairy workers in multiple states, causing alarm in early 2024 and continuing to cause issues in the dairy industry towards the end of the year.

Earlier this month, 27 News spoke to Shane Hesting with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks who gave a rough estimate that around 14,000 sick and dead Ross’s geese, snow geese and Canada geese have reportedly been sickened or died due to the spread of bird flu in early December.

K-State recommends poultry owners visit the Kansas Department of Agriculture's website on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza to help protect flocks and to learn about the signs of bird flu. People who find injured or dead wild birds are encouraged to contact the KDWP by calling 620-672-5911. If you have any other questions, you can call K-State's Veterinary Health Center at 785-532-5690.

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