PRATT – Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism staff at the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Barton County, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge are closely monitoring waterfowl populations at the wetlands after dead geese were observed. Staff at both areas picked up dead birds last week and sent samples for testing.
Lab results confirmed that avian cholera, a contagious disease was the cause of death. This strain of bacteria commonly affects geese, gulls and crows. Most of the dead birds found have been snow geese.
While it’s not uncommon for a contagious disease to affect waterfowl when large numbers are concentrated, avian cholera deaths are not common in Kansas. However, it’s recommended that hunters and their dogs avoid contact with any sick or dead birds.
Avian cholera quickly overcomes infected birds, resulting in death in as little as 6-12 hours, although 24-48 hours is more common. Infected birds may exhibit signs such as convulsions, throwing head back between wings, swimming in circles, erratic flight and miscalculated landing attempts.
Avian cholera should not be confused with avian influenza, which is a highly pathogenic virus that infected millions of poultry flocks in the upper Midwest last summer.