Bird flu is sickening goslings in Kennewick’s Columbia Park. Pond may be closed

Two goslings at the fishing pond in Columbia Park in Kennewick have tested positive for avian flu, and other goslings at the park are showing symptoms.

The Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife reports that initial tests for the avian influenza virus at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab were positive, but it is awaiting confirmation from a federal laboratory.

Visitors to the park this weekend also reported seeing other baby geese that appeared to be sick, and some tried to capture and treat them.

Symptoms include walking in circles, seizures and sitting still and letting people approach them, said Staci Lehman with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The department is urging people to leave sick birds alone.

It is in talks with the city of Kennewick about whether the fishing pond should be closed to the public.

While the risk for human illness from the avian flu virus is very low, people who may have touched the sick goslings should check with the Benton Franklin Health District as a precaution, says the state agency.

The H5N1 strain of avian influenza virus is highly contagious among birds, but there is little that can be done for infected birds, Lehman said.

“Sadly, there is no treatment for avian influenza and transporting sick birds could spread the virus to new areas,” the Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a statement.

People who see possibly infected birds are asked to report them to the state at The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website.

Avian influenza also is infecting domestic chicken and geese in Washington state.

The Washington state Department of Agriculture has confirmed infections in nine mostly small backyard flocks in Washington state since May 5, according to its website.

None of the cases were in the Tri-Cities area.

This story was originally published May 23, 2022 at 12:30 PM.