Waterfowl 'Die Off' In Metro Denver Investigated By State Vets

DENVER, CO – Canada Geese in Colorado's parks, ponds and golf courses are the bird everyone loves to hate, but an alarming discovery by Colorado Parks and Wildlife shows that they may be endangered by a new disease.

Signs of Riemerella anatipestifer disease, or "new duck syndrome" were discovered by CPW veterinarians examining dead waterfowl (ducks and geese) who appear to have perished in a "die-off" in the Denver metro area, the CPW said in a press release.

The CPW is asking anyone finding dead waterfowl to contact a park authority right away don't touch it, and do not allow any pets near the dead animal.

New duck disease is new to the area, and the birds' necrologies have shown that waterfowl are testing negative for more common avian influenza viruses and avian paramyxoviruses (newcastle disease), CPW said. The disease spreads among ducks and geese, but can also spread to domestic chickens and other birds.

Large populations of congregated flocks can create the conditions that spread illnesses. Frustrating gaggles of Canada Geese live in Colorado year-round, but the area is also visited by large migratory flocks who drop in on their way to other climes.

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