Avian influenza has been confirmed in snow geese and other water birds from western Gibson County, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

The agency said diagnostic testing on carcasses collected in Gibson County confirmed the presence of the virus. The agency and federal partners said they have increased surveillance of birds throughout the state to monitor for other potential outbreaks.

More than 100,000 snow geese are currently present in western Gibson County and approximately 700 geese, primarily snow geese, have recently been found dead.

Birds infected with avian influenza may display unusual behaviors such as erratic swim patterns, tremors, a twisted neck and/or a general lack of coordination. Sick birds may also have nasal discharge, a cough, sneezing and/or diarrhea; however, some infected birds will not appear sick.

Indiana is one of multiple states in which the current strain of avian influenza has been confirmed this fall.

Individuals who see sick birds or find multiple birds dead in a single area should report them to the DNR at the agency's Sick or Dead Wildlife Reporting System.

Meat that hunters harvest from wild birds in the state that is handled using standard safety procedures and cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit does not present a food safety risk.

Additional information about avian influenza in wild birds, bird feeder care and more advice on how you can help prevent the spread of avian influenza and other bird diseases is at on.IN.gov/avian-flu.