The geese at the University of Nevada, Reno's Manzanita Lake are a familiar sight for the campus and surrounding community. But reports of sick and dead geese near the lake have raised concerns as wildlife officials confirm a bird flu outbreak affecting wild geese across the Reno-Sparks area.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in multiple flocks of wild geese. The agency is coordinating with the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health.
The university is aware of sick and deceased geese near Manzanita Lake and is working with wildlife officials.
The risk of infection to the general public is considered low, but people are being urged to avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds. Anyone who spots a bird in that condition should not touch it, move it or attempt to rescue it. Children and pets should also be kept away from the birds and their droppings.
On campus, people who find sick or dead birds should report their location to the university so the birds can be assessed and safely removed. Reports of sick wild birds or unusual bird deaths can also be made to the Nevada Department of Wildlife at (775) 688-1500 or ndowinfo@ndow.org.
The university says it will continue working with wildlife officials and monitoring conditions. More information will be provided if the situation or public health guidance changes.
(The University of Nevada, Reno contributed to this story.)
