Outbreak Of Avian Cholera Confirmed In Washington State Dead Ducks
By Ammoland
YAKIMA – -(Ammoland.com)- State and federal wildlife-diagnostic centers have confirmed an outbreak of avian cholera near the Tri-Cities, where more than 1,200 dead ducks have been reported in the past week.
The disease was confirmed in dead ducks found near Burbank, Wash., and tested by the USGS National Wildlife Health Center and the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab. The birds tested negative for avian influenza, a different disease fatal to waterfowl and other birds.
Avian cholera is caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida and is one of the most common diseases among ducks, geese and other wild North American waterfowl, said Katie Haman, a wildlife veterinarian at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
“Humans are not at a high risk for infection with the bacterial strain causing avian cholera, though infections in humans are possible,” Haman said. “We advise people to avoid handling sick or dead birds, and to report any they find.”
Reports can be filed online (http://wdfw.wa.gov/viewing/observations/sgcn/), by email ([email protected]), or by calling 1-509-545-2201.
According to the USGS National Wildlife Health Center, the bacteria kill …Read the Rest
Source:: AmmoLand
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