April 27, 2022

Game and Fish manages avian influenza risk at pheasant farms

SHERIDAN — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is taking all possible steps to reduce the risk of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at its pheasant farms. The virus has been detected in a number of wild and domestic birds throughout Wyoming. Recently, HPAI was confirmed in three wild turkeys, found dead near the Sheridan Game Bird Farm. Out of an abundance of caution for the thousands of chicks soon to hatch, the department has depopulated the brood stock.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department manages and conserves more than 800 species of fish and wildlife across Wyoming.  For nearly 120 years, we’ve carried out our mission to conserve wildlife and serve people. Through these efforts, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department ensures the public continues to enjoy Wyoming’s vast fish and wildlife resource  through  hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife watching and other forms of outdoor recreation. Hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers contribute over a billion dollars to Wyoming’s economy each year.

For press in need of a high-resolution photo, please send your requests to sara.dirienzo@wyo.gov.