Deadly Bird Flu Outbreak Strikes Utah’s Great Salt Lake

SALT LAKE CITY — Environmental experts in Utah have documented a substantial loss of eared grebes from a avian influenza outbreak near the Great Salt Lake. Estimates suggest between 15,000 and 25,000 birds have perished, leading to visible carcasses scattered along the shoreline.

Outbreak Detection and Confirmation

State biologists first identified cases of bird flu in the region in November 2024. Samples from several dead birds were analyzed in a laboratory, confirming the presence of the virus. The vast majority of bird deaths, from Box Elder to Salt Lake counties, are believed to be associated with this infection.

Significance for Migratory Birds

Eared grebes make up a substantial portion of the 10 million to 12 million migratory birds that flock to the Great Salt Lake annually. Although the outbreak has resulted in a significant number of deaths, experts believe it will not adversely affect the overall population of about 4 million eared grebes that pass through Utah each year.

Witness Reports Confirm the Outbreak

A local resident reported seeing numerous decomposing birds at Great Saltair, aligning with the recent findings of wildlife experts. Jolley stated that the high salinity of the Great Salt Lake preserves the carcasses, preventing them from decomposing or being scavenged as they would in normal freshwater environments.

Advice for the Public

Individuals encountering groups of five or more dead birds are advised against touching them. Instead, they should contact their nearest Utah Division of Wildlife Resources office for reporting guidelines. Find your local office here.

Recent Nationwide Outbreaks

The bird flu outbreak has been a recurring issue across the United States since its emergence in South Carolina in early 2022. It primarily spreads through wild birds but has also affected domestic poultry, leading to울 recent culling of over 1.8 million chickens in Cache County in October 2024.

The impact of the disease extended to Piute County, where more than 100,000 turkeys were depopulated in November 2024. This latest wave follows a similar outbreak in 2023 that led to the death of 10,000 to 20,000 Great Salt Lake shorebirds.

Understanding High Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is highly contagious among birds and can cause rapid and severe mortality. Commonly affected species include domestic birds, waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and scavengers.

Economic Impact: Egg Prices Soaring

The latest outbreak has also driven egg prices to unprecedented heights across the nation. The demand for eggs remains strong, but supply chains have been disrupted due to mass cullings of infected poultry.

This situation underscores the economic vulnerabilities of the agriculture sector, especially in the face of endemic diseases like avian influenza.

Concerns for Human Health

While the risk to human health from bird flu is low, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 67 confirmed human cases over the past year, with one fatality. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of contracting HPAI: learn more.

Continued Monitoring

Wildlife officials continue to monitor the situation closely. They emphasize the importance of public awareness and cooperation in managing the outbreak and preventing its spread to other regions.

Given the persistence of the virus in the environment, biologists anticipate that bird carcasses may continue to wash ashore over the coming months.

Conclusion

The current avian influenza outbreak at the Great Salt Lake highlights the unpredictable nature of wildlife diseases and their potential impacts on both ecosystems and human economies. Continued vigilance and adherence to safety protocols are crucial to mitigating these effects.

For updates and further information, stay tuned to Archynetys and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.