Avian Flu Hits Northwest Indiana: Sick Birds Found Across the Region

The director of a wildlife center is concerned about recent cases of avian flu among wild birds in Northwest Indiana.

Nicole Harmon runs the Humane Indiana Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Valparaiso, where three birds that were brought in over the past two weeks tested positive for avian flu.

“One was a mallard duck who had actually been hit by a vehicle and did not show any symptoms of avian influenza, but did end up testing positive for it when we received our testing two days later.,” Harmon said.

“The next one was a snow goose who came from Porter County near Kouts. And then the final one was that Canada goose who tested positive from the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond.”

Humane Indiana Wildlife was waiting for test results on a sick bald eagle found Wednesday in Long Beach.

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Harmon said because avian flu can spread to humans, people should not handle or come into contact with sick birds.

“With this recent event that is going on in Northwest Indiana, that recommendation is to not touch these animals, not to have them come into contact with yourselves.

“If you are determined to assist them to wear PPE, a mask, gloves, you know, make sure you disinfect everything, because avian influenza is something that people can catch. We want to keep our community safe.”

She said the best thing to do if you want to help a sick bird is to contact a local wildlife center or the state’s Department of Natural Resources.