News Summary
State wildlife officials in Nevada have confirmed a potential outbreak of a highly contagious bird flu in two hunting areas near Las Vegas. Positive tests on local ducks raised alarms as seven cases involve a dangerous strain. While the current risk to humans is low, hunters are advised to take precautions. With avian influenza impacting waterfowl hunting and egg supply pricing, the situation highlights concerns for wildlife, agriculture, and local food businesses. Regulators and officials are closely monitoring the developments.
Las Vegas, Nevada – State wildlife officials have confirmed a potential outbreak of highly contagious bird flu in two hunting areas in Nevada. The affected locations are the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge and the Key Pittman Wildlife Management Area, situated approximately 80 to 100 miles north of Las Vegas. Tests conducted on ten ducks in these areas showed a positive result for the bird flu virus, with seven cases involving a highly pathogenic variety known to be contagious and capable of causing severe illness or death.
The results of these tests still await confirmation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The disease was first detected in Nevada’s wild birds back in July 2022. Although the current strain of bird flu poses a low risk of human infection, according to the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the situation has raised concerns among state regulators and local communities.
With the waterfowl hunting season underway, and the opening day approaching in the Southern Zone, the Nevada Department of Wildlife is advising hunters to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their pets. To ensure safety, state wildlife department veterinarian Nate LaHue has outlined key recommendations for hunters:
- Do not bring home sick waterfowl.
- Wear protective equipment while cleaning game.
- Discard intestines and cook game to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Keep dogs away from raw meat.
In the past year, at least 68 people in the United States have been reported infected with bird flu, primarily among individuals working closely with livestock. Wild birds are the primary carriers of the virus and are known to transmit it to domestic flocks. This has created a ripple effect through Nevada’s agricultural sector, leading to additional oversight and monitoring.
As of now, six cattle herds in Nevada are quarantined, impacting approximately 23,000 cows, with only dairy cows being affected. There is ongoing concern regarding the potential impact of avian influenza on domestic poultry and broader agricultural operations. The Nevada Department of Wildlife encourages the public to report any sightings of sick wild birds or unusual mortality levels. Proper reporting involves contacting the NDOW if three or more birds from different species are found dead in close proximity.
The implications of the bird flu outbreak extend beyond wildlife and agriculture; local food businesses are also feeling its effects. Egg supply and pricing in Nevada have been significantly impacted due to ongoing avian influenza outbreaks. Some restaurants have reported that egg prices have surged, with costs escalating from around $60 for 15 dozen eggs to approximately $136 as a result of supply shortages linked to the virus.
The situation is dynamic, and both state wildlife and agricultural officials are continuously monitoring developments. The importance of maintaining safety protocols, both for hunters and the public, cannot be understated as the region navigates these challenges.
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Additional Resources
- Review Journal
- Fox 5 Vegas
- Newsweek
- Courier Press
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Bird flu
- Google Search: Bird flu outbreak Nevada
- Google Scholar: Avian influenza impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bird flu
- Google News: Bird flu Nevada
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
