Migrating birds often contribute to avian influenza outbreaks among wild birds and domestic poultry. Kansas officials are urging residents to avoid sick birds and properly dispose of dead ones. Migratory birds, traveling long distances from regions like the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico, mingle with diverse flocks, increasing the risk of spreading avian influenza through saliva, secretions, feces, or contaminated surfaces.

According to Tom Bidrowski of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, there are approximately 150 strains of bird flu, with domestic poultry being particularly vulnerable. This year, while Kansas has had no outbreaks among commercial poultry since spring, the virus has been detected in backyard flocks and wild birds. Neighboring Missouri also reported cases among snow geese near the Kansas border.

Operation Wildlife, a rescue center in Linwood, Kansas, has seen a surge in reports of sick wild birds exhibiting symptoms like disorientation, swollen eyes, and respiratory distress. The virus is nearly always fatal for birds, and the center cannot treat infected ones due to the risk of spreading the disease.

Residents are advised to report or safely dispose of dead birds, wear gloves when handling them, and keep pets away from sick birds to help mitigate the spread.