The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) as the cause of death for multiple geese in Hamilton County. Additionally, multiple blue-wing teal in Greene County were confirmed to have HPAI through surveillance conducted by the USDA Wildlife Services and DNR Division of Fish, Wildlife & Nature Preserves.

If you find dead wild waterfowl or raptors dying for no obvious reason or showing any of the following signs of illness, report it online at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife.

Signs of HPAI in waterfowl and raptors include:

Sudden death

Neurological impairment (e.g., lack of coordination, swimming or walking in circles, tremors, twisted neck)

Lack of energy and appetite

Swelling of the head, neck and eyes

Nasal discharge, cough, sneezing, lack of coordination, and diarrhea

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk for HPAI is low. However, it is possible for humans to contract the disease. Members of the public should avoid contact with sick waterfowl and other sick wildlife whenever possible. If a carcass must be handled, wear disposable gloves and a mask, double-bag the carcass, and place it in the trash. Wash hands with soap and warm water immediately afterward.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends waterfowl hunters wear protective clothing such as face masks and gloves to process birds, and to do so in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Meat harvested from waterfowl should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F before consumption.

Please contact the Indiana Department of Health if you develop any of the following symptoms after touching or handling sick or dead waterfowl: fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, shortness of breath, eye irritation or redness, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headaches, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, or rash. The Indiana Health Department can be reached at 317-233-7125 during regular business hours or at 317-233-1325 after hours. Follow the prompts in the automated menu to speak to the epidemiologist on call.

Some domestic and agricultural animals are also known to be susceptible to HPAI, including poultry, cattle and cats. If you have these animals at home, be sure to process any harvested waterfowl away from your animals and practice good biosecurity measures.

For more information on HPAI and to track suspected cases across the state, visit on.IN.gov/avian-flu.

For more information about poultry biosecurity measures, visit aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock.

If you see any of your poultry acting sick or find any dead, please report it to the Board of Animal Health at IN.gov/boah/species-information/avianbirds/small-flock-and-exhibition-poultry/sick-andor-dead-poultry-questionnaire/.

Indiana Conservation Officer helps save a life

An Indiana Conservation Officer was in the right place at the right time on Oct. 23 and ultimately helped save a life.

At 9:35 p.m., Indiana Conservation Officer Alex Neel was on patrol when he overheard radio traffic reporting a medical emergency at a local restaurant in Cedar Lake.

Upon arrival, Neel found bystanders performing CPR on an adult female who was unresponsive and not breathing. After confirming her condition, he joined the resuscitation efforts and administered multiple shocks with his department‑issued Automated External Defibrillator (AED). He continued lifesaving measures until the Cedar Lake Fire Department arrived and assumed medical care.

The woman regained consciousness and was transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

23 Conservation Officers graduate training

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Law Enforcement held graduation ceremonies recently at the Indiana Government Center in Indianapolis. Twenty-three new Indiana Conservation Officers officially joined the division during the event.

Conservation Officer Tyler Brock, the 2025 James D. Pitzer Officer of the Year, administered the oath of office to the recruits, who will fill positions in various locations around the state.

The officers and their assignment locations (by county) are:

Jayden Blizzard (Elkhart), Kyler Bowers (LaGrange), Donald Carty (Henry), Asa Christie (Warren), Paul Davis (Washington), Justin Eib (Steuben), Brody Fessel (Clark), Parker Gehl (Perry), Evan Halstenberg (Dearborn/Ohio), Joshua Hodge (LaPorte), Drake Huber (Scott), James Lowe (Fountain), Jacob Lundergan (Fayette), Daniel Lunn (Porter), Luke McDonald (Parke), James Miller (Johnson), Kyle Proper (Tipton), Devon Pruett (Washington), Clyde-Christian Rash (Adams), Levi Rogers (Posey), Gabriel Smail (Porter), Payton Lumpkin (Rush) and Noah Owsley (Steuben).

The new officers completed six weeks of recruit training and will next attend the 15-week basic law enforcement academy. Upon completion of the academy, officers will complete additional specialized training before doing 90 shifts of field training.

The DNR employs 214 conservation officers who, in addition to enforcing state laws, are often called upon to help during emergencies and natural disasters. They also engage in non-law enforcement activities such as outdoor instructional programs, including boater, hunter, snowmobile and trapper education. The division’s specialty response, river rescue, cave rescue, underwater search and recovery units, and its K-9 teams are available statewide as needed.

 ‘till next time, 

Jack

Readers can contact the author by e-mail Jack at jackspaulding1971@outlook.com  Spaulding’s books, “The Best Of Spaulding Outdoors” and “The Coon Hunter And The Kid,” are available from Amazon.com.