INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is warning waterfowl hunters about a possible avian influenza surge.

Indiana, along with many other states, have been affected by an outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza earlier this year.

Avian influenza declined through the summer months; however, some states have had a recent increase in wild bird deaths associated with the disease.

DNR advises hunters to be aware of a potential resurgence of avian influenza as the waterfowl hunting seasons progress.

Indiana DNR partnered with the United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to test hunter-harvested waterfowl for highly pathogenic avian influenza at multiple DNR Fish & Wildlife areas.

Symptoms of avian influenza can differ depending on the individual animal, and some animals that have the virus do not display any symptoms.

Waterfowl with symptoms will often display unusual behaviors such as swimming in circles, tremors, a twisted neck, and/or have a general lack of coordination. In addition, sick birds may display nasal discharge, a cough, sneezing, and/or diarrhea.

If you see birds displaying these signs, or if you find multiple dead birds in a single area, report the case to the Indiana DNR.