HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA (HPAI) — A DIFFICULT REALITY FOR OUR WILDLIFE

OCCRA has been receiving countless calls and text messages every single day about geese who appear sick, injured, unable to fly, or behaving strangely. Many of these birds are likely suffering from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu.

Unfortunately, we’ve been fielding calls like these for years, and the situation continues to be heartbreaking.

OCCRA cannot capture or transport geese or ducks. Doing so would violate the conditions of our authorization through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). This is not a decision our volunteers get to make on a case-by-case basis.

Oregon’s licensed wildlife rehabilitation facilities have not been able to accept adult ducks and geese for rehabilitation for many years. There simply isn’t a rehabilitation option available for these patients.

We know how difficult it is to watch an animal suffer.

Please understand that we love these animals just as much as you do. Our volunteers dedicate their free time, resources, and hearts to helping wildlife. Having to tell someone that we cannot respond to a suffering goose is incredibly difficult, especially when we’re having that conversation over and over again.

So what can you do?

If you encounter a goose or duck you believe is suffering from HPAI, the safest option is generally to leave the bird alone and avoid contact.

You can contact ODFW or DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital to ask whether humane euthanasia is an available option. You MUST call ahead before considering transport, and you should not attempt to capture or handle a potentially infected bird without guidance from wildlife authorities.