The annual spring migration of sandhill cranes is underway in northern breeding grounds in Alaska, Canada, and eastern Siberia, but thousands are dying along the way due to a highly contagious bird flu strain. According to reports, over 1,500 sandhill cranes have been found dead in Indiana, with the majority of the deaths occurring in Jackson County.
Experts say that the virus could become a larger problem if it spreads to endangered whooping cranes, which are already at risk due to habitat loss and other human activities. Biologists estimate that more than 5,000 snow geese have died from similar avian flu strains in eastern Pennsylvania.
The H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been particularly deadly, wiping out wild birds in large flocks. However, biologists are hopeful that the deaths will slow this spring since the virus tends to peak during the fall and winter.
To combat the spread of the virus, volunteers in northwest Indiana are collecting and disposing of sandhill crane carcasses, following the advice of biologists. An estimated 650,000 sandhill cranes live in North America, with their population increasing, but experts warn that the spread of H5N1 could have devastating consequences for whooping cranes.
The risk of infection is low for humans, but 70 people in the US have contracted the virus since 2022. Wildlife biologists across the country are urging the public to report any sick or dead animals to help track the spread of the virus.
Source: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/more-than-1500-sandhill-cranes-killed-by-bird-flu-in-indiana-raising-concerns-among-biologists-180986151