Nevada Officials Responded to Avian Flu in Reno Geese

State agencies have initiated a response after identifying cases of avian influenza in goose flocks across Reno and Sparks.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Bird Watching

Nevada Officials Responded to Avian Flu in Reno Geese

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The Nevada Department of Wildlife confirmed the presence of avian flu within multiple goose flocks throughout the Reno and Sparks area. State agencies are now coordinating efforts to manage the outbreak and safely remove affected birds from public parks.

Why it matters

Managing this outbreak is essential to protecting local wildlife populations and preventing the potential spread of the virus to domestic birds. Public cooperation is requested to ensure that sick wildlife is tracked and handled by professionals.

Residents can report sightings of infected geese to the City of Reno Parks department at 775-334-2270 or contact Washoe County Parks at 775-828-6612. Infected birds often display symptoms including lethargy, poor balance, swelling, and green discoloration of feces.

The players

Nevada Department of Wildlife

This state agency is responsible for the protection and management of Nevada wildlife resources.

Nevada Department of Agriculture

This department oversees agricultural health and safety standards across the state.

Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health

This division manages public health initiatives and emergency response efforts for the state.

The details

Coordinated teams from the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the Nevada Department of Agriculture, and the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health are currently handling the removal of infected geese found in city and county parks. Owners of domestic poultry are advised to secure their enclosures and keep their birds separated from wild populations.

October 14, 2026: State agencies announced their response to the avian flu outbreak.

Culture Shift

This event reflects the ongoing monitoring of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in North American wild birds. The current situation marks a local extension of broader, documented nationwide trends in wild waterfowl viral transmission.

Residents should avoid contact with geese in public parks and report any sightings of birds showing symptoms such as coughing or abnormal head positions. If you keep domestic poultry, maintain clean equipment and ensure your birds are securely enclosed to minimize the risk of exposure.

The takeaway

Wildlife authorities advise the public to keep a safe distance from wild birds that appear sick or lethargic. Maintaining a secure environment for your own pets and poultry is the best way to prevent accidental exposure to avian viruses.