SACRAMENTO - Birds in San Joaquin County and elsewhere in Northern California have been diagnosed with avian cholera, state Department of Fish and Game officials said Friday.

Avian cholera is one of the most common diseases in Northern American waterfowl. The disease, which is not a risk to humans, spreads rapidly from bird to bird and can kill thousands in a single outbreak.

More outbreaks are possible during the winter months, especially in the Central Valley, where waterfowl spend the winter. Die-offs have been reported in Del Norte, Humboldt, Stanislaus, Glenn and San Joaquin counties.

Fish and Game asks the public to report dead birds by calling (877) 968-2473 or visiting www.westnile.ca.gov/.

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