The City of Salina and Salina Animal Services are urging the public to use caution after multiple wildlife calls over the past week resulted in three suspected cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in local geese. The reports come amid a rise in HPAI detections across Kansas and the region.
HPAI is a severe and often fatal viral disease that spreads rapidly among birds. Recent cases handled by Salina Animal Services have shown classic symptoms, including:
• Neurological issues: lack of coordination, disorientation, inability to hold the head up, hunched posture, tremors, seizures, or twisted neck
• Difficulty breathing, open-mouth breathing, or wheezing
• Nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing, sometimes with blood-tinged fluid
• Sudden death
Infected birds may also suffer traumatic injuries, as some collapse or fall from the sky due to weakness and exhaustion.
HPAI is not treatable and is fatal for affected birds. To prevent further spread, infected birds must be humanely euthanized and properly disposed of. The virus is highly contagious among birds and felines, and has the potential to transmit to humans and other species, making prompt reporting essential.
Public Guidance
If you encounter a bird exhibiting the symptoms above—or any bird that appears ill, injured, or unable to fly—do not approach, touch, or attempt to help the animal.
For Salina residents:
• Call Salina Animal Services at 785-826-6535 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• After hours, contact Salina Non-Emergency Dispatch at 785-826-7210
• Keep pets and people at a safe distance
For Saline County residents:
• Contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks at 785-452-0478
Animal Control Officers will respond, remove the bird safely, provide humane euthanasia when required, and ensure proper cremation to limit disease transmission.
Salina Animal Services will continue monitoring local wildlife and coordinating with state and federal partners to protect animals and the public.
