Avian Influenza Detected In Bay Area Goose

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been detected in a Canada goose that was recently admitted to the WildCare animal rescue in San Rafael, WildCare said this week.

The goose was admitted earlier this year to the rescue's wildlife hospital, where a WildCare veterinarian determined that the bird had retinal edema, or swelling of the retina, which is an indicative symptom of the virus.

The goose was humanely euthanized and subsequently sent for preliminary testing at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Health Lab and the California Animal Health and Food Safety Lab at the University of California, Davis.

On Oct. 19, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the virus' presence in the goose.

HPAI poses a low risk to humans, but it is highly contagious and deadly among birds. According to WildCare, millions of birds are estimated to have died nationwide due to HPAI since last winter.
HPAI was first detected in California in mid-July and domestic poultry like chickens, ducks and turkeys are especially at risk of illness and death because of the virus.

Information about HPAI can be found here.

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