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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 will
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 intense contact with infected sick or dead
birds, almost exclusively poultry.
The HPAI H5N1 virus that is causing high mortality in
poultry in other countries has been identified in Asia, Africa, India, and
Europe, but as of May 2008, 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, 2008, 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 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:
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Do not handle birds that are obviously sick or birds
found dead.
-
Keep your game birds cool, clean, and dry.
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Place birds in washable container for transport (ice
chest, etc., that can be sanitized).
-
Wash hands before eating, smoking, drinking (use hand
sanitizer in duck 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 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 bird 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 and 2007 and will continue in 2008.
This effort will assist in the national efforts to monitor wild bird
populations.
Q: Who do I call if I find a dead bird?
A: For domestically reared 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
http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/issues/AvianFlu/WBAvianFlu.htm
USDA Avian Influenza
http://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.state.md.us/wildlife/AV_Hunters.asp
Avian Influenza & Wildlife-Questions and Answers
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/AV_QA.asp
Avian Influenza: Are Hunting Dogs at Risk of Getting Bird
Flu?
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/AV_HuntingDogs.asp
Everything You Wanted to Know About Avian Influenza
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/infocus/everything_about_AI.html |
