What will the Division of Wildlife Resources do if a bird tests positive for H5N1 in Utah?
There are several strains of avian influenza that are found in wild birds. Dependent on the strain of avian influenza that is detected, the Division of Wildlife Resources will activate a response plan that consists of monitoring and testing of additional migratory birds. A positive surveillance zone will be established, consisting of a five- to 10-mile radius around the site, and wild birds will be monitored for mortality. Fresh dead carcasses will be collected and tested for HPAI H5N1 virus. The killing and removal of wild birds to control an epizootic disease outbreak is not an effective disease control procedure, when attempted in the past. Therefore, this will not be implemented as a control measure for HPAI H5N1.
