Over 2,000 snow geese have been found dead in Idaho, and biologists are uncertain of what caused the die-off. Some researchers believe that an outbreak of avian cholera could be responsible for the unexplained deaths.
The birds were migrating from Mexico and the southwestern United States to nesting grounds in Alaska when they fell dead on the Mud Lake and Market Lake wildlife management region outside Terreton, Idaho. Around 10,000 snow geese pass through this area each March during their annual migration. Here, the animals rest for a week or two, feeding on wheat from nearby agricultural fields.
If avian cholera turns out to be the cause of the deaths, the illness could pose a significant risk to healthy animals in the area.
"Outbreaks of avian cholera have occurred sporadically in the region over the past few decades. The important thing is to quickly collect as many of the carcasses as possible, to prevent other birds from feeding on the infected birds," Steve Schmidt, Idaho Department of Fish and Game Regional Supervisor, said.
Avian cholera can spread so quickly among the geese that birds in flocks can fall from the sky, according to the National Wildlife Health Center.
Around 20 eagles are believed to have been in the area where the snow geese died, although it is unknown whether or not those animals were exposed to whatever may have caused the deaths of the snow geese. The body of a trumpeter swan was also found among the avian carcasses, and biologists believe that animal may have perished of the same cause as the snow geese. No other mass deaths of birds have been reported in any neighboring areas.
The quick deaths of the birds in such large numbers suggest avian cholera as a possible cause. No one is certain if the animals contracted the illness during their migration. The bacteria can live in water and soil for up to four months, compounding challenges in detecting the source of the illness and in preventing further contamination.
Snow geese are named for their coverage of white feathers as well as their habit of making their summer homes in Alaska and Canada.
Although avian cholera spreads quickly through populations of birds, the bacteria poses little risk to humans, health officials state. Similar outbreaks occasionally occur around the United States and other nations. Still, residents of eastern Idaho and tourists are being warned not to handle the birds over fears they could spread the deadly bacteria to other animals. Wildlife officials are currently collecting the carcasses in an effort to prevent the deadly disease from spreading.
Photo: John Fowler | Flickr
