The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) is urging waterfowl hunters and wildlife watchers to remain alert for sick or dead birds in the wild, as avian influenza could pose risks to humans, pets, and domestic animals.
Dr. Jenn Ballard, AGFC state wildlife veterinarian, noted that reports so far are consistent with prior years’ cases, and confirmation testing is ongoing. “The reports this year have been almost exclusively snow geese, with most being juveniles,” Ballard said.
Periodic outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have been recorded over the past three years, with more likely to occur. While various low-pathogenic strains circulate in wild bird populations, HPAI is particularly concerning due to its potential for widespread transmission and its impact on domestic poultry, which has resulted in billions of dollars in losses globally.
Although the risk of human infection is low, the AGFC advises hunters to take precautions. Recommendations include harvesting only healthy waterfowl, using disposable gloves while handling game, washing hands thoroughly, and cooking meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Hunters should also avoid feeding uncooked waterfowl parts to pets and dispose of game remnants responsibly to prevent scavenging by wildlife or domestic animals.
The AGFC encourages the public to report observations of sick or dead birds through its wildlife health program at www.agfc.com/avianflu. Reports should include details such as the species, number of birds affected, and the location.
For more information on the disease, visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza.
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