By Fox23.com News Staff
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the CDC are providing general safety guidelines for hunters handling wild birds in regard to Avian Influenza.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a infectious respiratory disease caried by both wild and domestic birds. It is possible for hunters to encounter sick, dying, or dead migratory birds during fall and winter migration.
The current strain in North America (H5N1) is transmissible to humans, but poses a low risk to people and dogs, but is a threat to domestic and commericial poultry. The virus spreads through contact with saliva, mucus, and feces of infected birds.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and CDC advises that you:
- Do not handle or consume birds that are found dead or appear sick.
- Field dress and prepare harvested game outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Wear rubber or disposable latex gloves when handling and cleaning game.
- After handling birds, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use a disinfectant.
- Clean and disinfect knives, equipment, and surfaces that come into contact with game.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling harvested birds.
- Thoroughly cook all game to an internal temperature of 165°F before consumption.
- Dispose of carcasses using burial or double-bagging methods.
Hunters are encouraged to disinfect equipment and clothing that may have come in contact with wild birds, especially ones that raise domestic poultry. A solution of 4 fluid ounces of bleach per 1 gallon of water is effective for disinfection.
For more information on Avian Influenza, go here.
