By Jamie Martin
As hunters nationwide prepare for fall waterfowl hunting, North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension urges careful biosecurity to prevent highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) from spreading to domestic birds and livestock.
Waterfowl, gulls, terns, and shorebirds often carry avian influenza A without showing symptoms. The H5N1 strain has been found across all U.S. migratory flyways and can be shed in saliva, mucus, and droppings.
“If you hunt game or wild birds and own domestic poultry or livestock, do not wear hunting clothes or footwear while you are interacting with your poultry or livestock,” said Dr. Jake Galbreath, NDSU Extension veterinarian.
“The best defense against HPAI is having a biosecurity plan in place,” said Mary Keena, NDSU Extension livestock environmental management specialist. “It is your job as an animal owner to create a line of separation between your clean animals and the potential unclean issues that wildlife or visitors may bring.”
Recommended measures include changing clothes and footwear after hunting in fields or wetlands, thoroughly cleaning any vehicles or equipment that may have contacted wildlife droppings, and field dressing birds outdoors with proper disposal of feathers. Knives, coolers, and other gear should be washed and disinfected away from animal areas and allowed to dry completely. Visitors to farms should have clean clothes and disinfected footwear before contact with animals.
Hunters should not handle sick or dead game. Gloves and a facemask are recommended when cleaning birds, and all hands, utensils, and surfaces must be washed with hot soapy water. Fully cooking wild game to 165°F ensures it is safe to eat.
While the risk to humans is low, avian influenza is a zoonotic disease that can transfer through contact with infected material. Hunters are encouraged to report dead or sick wildlife to local wildlife agencies and follow USDA surveillance guidelines to help reduce the spread of this virus.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-suriyasilsaksom
Categories: National