WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – The City of Salina said multiple wildlife calls in the past week have resulted in three suspected cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in local geese.
This follows a growing number of 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 associated with the virus, including:
- Neurological impairment – lack of coordination, disorientation, inability to hold the head up, hunched posture, tremors, seizures, or twisted neck.
- Difficulty breathing – open-mouth breathing, wheezing
- Nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing – sometimes with bloodtinged fluid
- Sudden death
Birds infected with HPAI may also suffer additional traumatic injuries, as they can collapse or fall from the sky due to weakness and exhaustion while in flight…