COLUMBUS, Ohio (WJW) -- Waterfowl recently found dead in three Northeast Ohio counties are presumed to have been infected with bird flu, state officials said. Samples of their remains are now being tested for the disease.
The dead birds -- including Canada geese, trumpeter swans and one mallard -- were found in Auglaize, Erie, Huron, Lucas, Mercer, Montgomery, Richland, Sandusky and Warren counties, according to a Tuesday news release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
A dozen Canada geese and eight trumpeter swans, all wild or free-ranging, have been found dead in one location in Sandusky County since Dec. 11, according to a tracker on the United States Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center website.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, has been detected in several states in recent months, according to ODNR.
It occurs naturally in bird populations, spreading through feeding and interaction. Ohio-native species such as shorebirds, raptors and waterfowl are susceptible, along with domestic chickens and turkeys.
In Darke County, nearly 1 million chickens were recently confirmed to have been infected and were killed, FOX 8 sister station 2 NEWS reported.
"The Division of Wildlife is working closely with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other state and federal agencies to monitor HPAI," reads the release. "The virus does not present an immediate public health concern but avoid handling sick or dead birds as a precaution."
To report sick or dead wild birds suspected of having bird flu, call the division at 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543) or visit ODNR's website.
Waterfowl hunting season is now underway in Ohio, with the second split of duck, coot and merganser season continuing through Sunday, Jan. 5 in the north zone and Lake Erie marsh zone. Goose and brant hunting is legal through Feb. 3 in the Lake Erie marsh zone.