Iowans asked to watch wild birds for avian flue

SIDNEY - Iowa officials are asking residents to be on the lookout for avian influenza among wild birds.

Dr. Rachel Ruden, state wildlife veterinarian, said bird loss in the wild is a natural occurrence, so seeing one dead bird shouldn’t be a cause for alarm.

Ruden said those who find five or more dead birds within a week should report their findings to a state conservation officer. Contact information is available at iowadnr.gov.

Dr. Ruden said the public should not handle dead or sick birds to avoid unintentionally spreading avian influenza.

Iowa wildlife staff