Deadly Avian Flu Resurfaces Among Utah’s Migratory Birds
Multiple waves of highly pathogenic avian influenza have affected Utah’s wild bird populations since the first case of the latest outbreak was confirmed in April 2022. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has now confirmed that the virus has again been detected in wild birds around the Great Salt Lake and in several other counties across the state, marking the latest uptick in the ongoing outbreak.
Although the current outbreak has been ongoing in the United States since 2022, the disease typically spreads more during spring and fall bird migrations. “We saw a lull in new avian flu cases in wild birds from March 2025 to September 2025, but in the last few months, we have seen another uptick in new cases across Utah,” said DWR Veterinarian Ginger Stout in a press release.
Since October, 49 wild bird carcasses collected from around Utah have tested positive. The most impacted species include eared grebes, California gulls, Canada geese, ducks, swans, and a variety of raptors and scavengers such as hawks, owls, and turkey vultures. Canada geese have been among the affected birds in numerous counties, including Iron and Washington counties, highlighting that the outbreak is not limited to northern Utah.
Eared Grebes Population OK Despite 50,000 Loss
Biologists estimate that roughly 50,000 eared grebes and 250 California gulls have died along the south arm of the Great Salt Lake during this latest influx. John Neill, a wildlife biologist with the DWR Great Salt Lake Ecosystem Program, noted that the loss should not significantly impact the overall grebe population because millions migrate through the lake each year. Warmer lake temperatures may also be contributing to unusual numbers of grebes lingering later into winter, and additional dead birds may continue to wash ashore in the coming months.
Read More: How The Utah DWR Plans To Protect Species
Since 2022, 242 wild birds, one mountain lion, some skunks, and three red foxes have tested positive in Utah, with the virus confirmed in 19 counties statewide.
DWR officials remind residents that the virus spreads through bird discharge and droppings and can be carried to backyard poultry on contaminated shoes or vehicles. People who find groups of dead waterfowl or any dead raptors are urged not to touch the birds, but instead report them to the nearest DWR office for collection and testing.
LOOK: Most commonly seen birds in Utah
Gallery Credit: Stacker