Guide to Hunting & Trapping in Maryland

What Hunters Should Know About Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Avian Influenza Basics

Avian influenza is typically a bird disease. Wild birds are a natural reservoir for avian influenza viruses, most of which do not present a threat to either the wild birds or to humans. Occasionally, a strain of avian influenza will mutate into what is known as a highly pathogenic variety (HPAI). HPAI specifically means the virus kills 75 percent or more of domestic chickens inoculated with the virus. In even rarer instances, an avian influenza virus can mutate and affect humans.

About H5N1 Strain

The highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) is primarily a bird disease that is transmitted from bird to bird through contact with infected bird secretions, feces (bird manure), and contaminated water or food. HPAI H5N1 has infected humans who have had frequent contact with infected sick or dead birds, almost exclusively poultry.

The HPAI H5N1 virus that has caused high mortality in poultry in other countries has been identified in Asia, Africa, India, and Europe, but as of February 2009, it has not been found in North America. The HPAI H5N1 virus could enter North America by several means, possibly including through the migration of wild birds. In conjunction with other states and federal agencies, Maryland Department of Natural Resources personnel are currently monitoring for this and other diseases that could affect Maryland.

Frequently Asked Questions about Avian Influenza

Q: Can humans catch AI from wild birds?
A: As of February, 2009, one report of potential transmission of HPAI H5N1 from wild bird to human has been made. In this case, infection from wild swans being de-feathered in Azerbaijan was the most likely source of the human infection.

Q: How could HPAI H5N1 enter North America?
A: HPAI H5N1 is most likely to enter through the movement of infected poultry, illegal importation of contaminated birds or bird products, or migratory waterfowl and shorebirds.

Q: Should waterfowl and upland game bird hunters be concerned about HPAI H5N1?
A: Because HPAI H5N1 has not arrived in North America, hunters do not need to be overly concerned at the present time about AI, but all hunters are encouraged to stay informed and educated on this issue. Hunters should practice good hygiene in the field when handling any wild bird or mammal. Good hygiene, proper preparation and cooking procedures will prevent infection from a variety of germs and viruses like AI.

Q: Are other game birds susceptible to HPAI H5N1?
A: Indications are that upland game birds are susceptible. Hunters should practice proper hygiene with all hunting activities to prevent exposure to this and other diseases that occur naturally in Maryland.

Q: How can I protect myself from potential bird diseases while hunting?
A: The following suggestions are precautions that hunters should follow normally when hunting:

  • Do not handle birds that are obviously sick or birds found dead.

  • Keep your game birds cool, clean, and dry.

  • Place birds in washable container for transport (ice chest, etc., that can be sanitized).

  • Wash hands before eating, smoking, drinking (use hand sanitizer in hunting blinds).

  • When cleaning game, use cleanable work space, properly dispose of feathers and entrails, and use disposable gloves.

  • Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol wipes after dressing birds.

  • Clean all tools and surfaces immediately afterward; use hot soapy water, then disinfect with a 10% chlorine bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach to 1 gallon water) or use Lysol® concentrated disinfectant.

  • Cook game meat thoroughly (165°F) to kill potential disease organisms.

  • Clean clothes, boots, back of truck, bird prep station well.

  • Use proper sanitary practices in the kitchen when handling raw meat (wash hands, counters and cookware thoroughly).

Q: Are hunting dogs at risk of getting HPAI H5N1?
A: Dogs used for wild game bird hunting in North America are not currently considered at risk of acquiring HPAI H5N1. Dogs in Southeast Asia exposed to avian influenza have developed antibodies. They do not seem to become ill. To be safe, hunters should minimize contact with dog saliva and feces. Wash hands frequently and avoid letting the dog lick hands or faces.

Q: What is being done to detect HPAI H5N1 in wild birds?
A: Since 2005, Maryland DNR has been conducting surveillance of HPAI H5N1. Monitoring efforts were expanded in 2006, 2007, and 2008 and will continue in 2009. This effort will assist in the national efforts to detect HPAI H5N1 in wild bird populations.

Q: Who do I call if I find a dead bird?
A: For domestic birds – Maryland Department of Agriculture at 800-491-1899. For sick or dead wild birds – USDA Wildlife Services at 877-463-6497.

More information about Avian Influenza is available at the following websites.

The official U.S. Government Web Site on Pandemic Flu and Avian Influenza
http://pandemicflu.gov/

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/issues/AvianFlu/WBAvianFlu.htm

USDA Avian Influenza
www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome?navtype=SU&navid=AVIAN_INFLUENZA

WHO Avian Influenza Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/ avian_faqs/en/index.html#poultry

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm

What Hunters Should Know About Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/AV_Hunters.html

Avian Influenza & Wildlife-Questions and Answers
http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/AV_QA.html

Avian Influenza: Are Hunting Dogs at Risk of Getting Bird Flu?
http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/AV_HuntingDogs.html

Everything You Wanted to Know About Avian Influenza
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/infocus/everything_about_AI.html