After the mixed, and often emotional responses, surrounding COVID-19, it is understandable that the warning about the Bird Flu being the next pandemic is being met with some skepticism. But regardless of where you fall in the debate, if you are a waterfowl hunter, there is some cause for concern. How dangerous is the Bird Flu, and how much risk does it present to waterfowl?

Highly pathogenic avian influence, also known as HPAI or the avian bird flu, is a highly contagious disease affecting many bird species. Waterfowl, including ducks and geese, are known to be carriers of HPAI and susceptible to the disease. When the first cases were detected in an American commercial chicken flock in late 2021 and 2022, the US Fish & Wildlife conducted testing in the wild waterfowl flock. Concerns about the disease infecting wild flocks were justified, as waterfowl were already known to carry the disease in other parts of the world. Subsequently, it was identified in at least parts of every major flyway.

Fortunately, although the disease was detected, it did not have the same devastating effect on wild populations as captive flocks. Why? This is the result of two factors: one, wild populations are not living in confined, close-quarter conditions and, two, because fewer wild populations are exposed to less lethal forms of avian flu throughout their life, they have developed a level of immunity. The result is many wild birds may be infected with and are carriers of HPAI, but they show no symptoms and do not succumb to the disease.

While this is good news for hunters, it does not remove all threats. I recently saw reports of dead snow geese in northeast Pennsylvania and unexplained shorebird deaths in southern New Jersey. Although no HPAI connection has been confirmed, few other reasons exist for such events. Likewise, whether or not a bird carrying HPAI is infected or showing signs does not prevent it from spreading the disease. Although US cases of humans contracting HPAI are rare, it is possible and could be deadly.

Signs of HPAI include:

¯ Nervousness

¯ Tremors or lack of coordination

¯ Swelling around the eyes, neck and eyes

¯ Coughing, gasping or sneezing

¯ Lethargic movement

¯ Diarrhea

¯ Sudden death

If you encounter waterfowl showing signs of potential infection, it is essential to report the location to local wildlife officials or the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Do not touch or handle the carcass. Since the disease is spread through direct contact with the infected animal, there should be little exposure concern.

As stated earlier, waterfowl are known to carry HPAI without showing any outward symptoms. This means that it is possible, even likely, that you could harvest an infected duck or goose without knowing it. For this reason, it is recommended that hunters take some simple steps to limit potential contamination.

¯ Wear protective gloves when handling waterfowl, especially during field dressing

¯ Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling birds.

¯ Bag and dispose of entrails and carcasses in a manner that reduces exposure to other animals or humans.

¯ Remove all blood and feces from meat

¯ Clean all processing equipment and surfaces thoroughly

¯ Wash your hands after hunting or handling birds.

There are no known cases of human illness after consuming cooked meat, even from a duck or goose carrying HPIA; therefore, consuming wild waterfowl is considered safe. But what about your dog? Again, consuming cooked meat should not be a problem; however, you should prevent your canine companion from consuming raw meat. Likewise, you should prevent exposure to entrails, carcasses, or sickly birds the same way you would for yourself.