Dead geese found at Omaha lake test positive for bird flu, officials say

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Douglas County Health Department is investigating a case of bird flu discovered in geese at an Omaha lake.

In a press release Thursday, the agency confirmed that seven dead geese found at Heartland of America Park tested positive for bird flu.

Officials said there were an estimated 60 to 90 birds in the area when the geese were discovered.

The health department is partnering with local organizations and wildfire agencies to manage the “potential impact on local wildlife.”

Officials are also working to address the “minimal, but existing risk” to pets and humans.

People are asked to adhere to public health advisories and report sick or dead birds at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the risk to the general public remains low for bird flu.

But bird flu is “highly fatal” in some domestic animals, like cats and backyard poultry, the health department said.