Health Department issues notice of suspected avian influenza in area waterfowl
Springfield-Greene County Health Department News Releases
Posted on October 29, 2026
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department (SGCHD) is issuing notice of suspected cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in waterfowl in and around southeast Greene County. These suspected cases are in addition to four recently confirmed cases in waterfowl in Christian County.
The
Missouri Department of Conservation oversees HPAI cases in wildlife and is aware of the suspected cases in Greene County.
HPAI prevention
HPAI can spread to people and pets through direct contact with infected wild birds or contact with their feces or contaminated environments. While the suspected cases were reported in the southeast part of the county, SGCHD advises all Greene County residents to take precautions, as wild birds often fly to and interact with other areas.
Avoid contact with wild birds
The best way to prevent the spread of HPAI is to avoid all contact with wild birds,
especially those that are susceptible to HPAI.
If you step in wild bird feces, it is important to
disinfect affected clothing items. HPAI can live on surfaces for up to two months. Wash your hands after disinfecting clothing and avoid touching your nose or mouth.
Keep pets away from wild birds
When your pets are outdoors, monitor them to ensure they don’t interact with wild birds or wild bird feces. If your pet steps in wild bird feces, clean their paws with soap and water. Prevent pets from eating dead birds or other animals.
If you
suspect your pet has been exposed to HPAI, contact your vet.
Watch for HPAI warning signs in wild birds
HPAI
warning signs in wild birds include:
- Respiratory signs, such as coughing and sneezing
- Movement or balance issues (tremors, head tilting, lethargy, loss of coordination, inability to fly or walk properly, trouble standing upright)
- Quietness among the flock
- Sudden increase of death in the flock
If you suspect a wild bird or flock may be displaying HPAI symptoms, or you find a dead or dying wild bird, you can make a report to the Missouri Department of Conservation
online or by calling the Wildlife Health Program at 573-522-0142.
Safe disposal of dead waterfowl
Residents should not touch or dispose of dead waterfowl. If you find a dead wild bird that needs to be disposed of, you can request disposal through the City of Springfield Citizen Resource Center (CRC)
online or by calling 417-864-1010. Residents outside of city limits can also contact the CRC to dispose of dead waterfowl.
if you think you were exposed
If you have had recent exposure (within 10 days) to confirmed or suspected infected wild birds, monitor yourself for symptoms for 10 days from the date of your last contact.
Common symptoms of HPAI in humans include:
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Mild fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny/stuffy nose
If symptoms develop, seek medical attention. If possible, call your health care provider before going to a medical office, urgent care or emergency department. Calling ahead allows health care providers to take precautions to prevent potential spread to other patients and staff.
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Media may contact the Health Department PIO Team by call or text at 417-380-2556 or email at healthpio@springfieldmo.gov.
Springfield-Greene County Health Department
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The Springfield-Greene County Health Department (SGCHD) is issuing notice of suspected cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in waterfowl in and around southeast Greene County. These suspe
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