ALLEN COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) - The recent deaths of waterfowl around the state -- including in Allen County -- are linked to bird flu, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced Wednesday. DNR suspects highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was the cause of death for waterfowl in Allen, Benton, Hamilton, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Pike, Porter, Starke, Tippecanoe, and Vermillion counties over the last six weeks. DNR confirmed HPAI was the cause of death for waterfowl in Gibson County in December, according to a press release. The majority of the affected species are snow geese and Canada geese, but DNR officials also noted deaths in mute swans, tundra swans, mallards, American white pelicans, common goldeneyes, and double-crested cormorants. The recent positive detections of HPAI H5 are among 98 detections across the state since 2022, according to the release. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assures the public health risk is low. The amount of detections correlates with the effort to increase testing around the state. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends that waterfowl hunters wear protective clothing such as face masks and gloves to process birds, and to do so outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Some animals are also known to be susceptible to the disease, including poultry, cattle, and cats. The DNR urges those who have any of these animals at home to process any harvested waterfowl away from other animals.  If you find wild waterfowl dead for no obvious reason, or waterfowl showing any of the following signs, report it on DNR's website. Signs of bird flu in waterfowl include: Sudden death Neurological impairment (e.g. lack of coordination, swimming in circles, tremors, twisted neck) Lack of energy and appetite Swelling of the head, neck, and eyes Nasal discharge, cough, sneezing, lack of coordination, and diarrhea Anyone who develops flu-like symptoms within 10 days of exposure to waterfowl -- such as a fever, chills, cough, sore throat with or without conjunctivitis -- should contact your doctor.