PHOENIX — With the detection of avian influenza (HPAI) in domestic and wild birds in Arizona, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) urges hunters and falconers to help prevent the spread of the disease and stay safe.
The highly pathogenic HPAI is carried by dabbling duck species which only occasionally show signs of illness. Canada geese, eagles and raptors appear to be the most susceptible to the virus, and infection in these species will often result in death. Infected birds may behave abnormally (swim in circles, stumbling or unable to fly). Domestic poultry are also susceptible to infection and will exhibit the same signs.
Safety guidelines for hunters
- Only harvest waterfowl that look and act healthy.
- Field dress and prepare harvested birds outdoors, or in a well-ventilated area.
- Wear latex or nitrile gloves while handling and cleaning game.
- Double-bag feathers and all bird remains, and dispose in a trash receptacle.
- Immediately cool harvested waterfowl and refrigerate or freeze as soon as possible.
- Do not eat, drink, smoke, or vape while handling carcasses.
- When finished handling harvested birds, wash hands and equipment thoroughly with soap and water.
- Bathe dogs with pet shampoo after hunting outings, and do not feed dogs raw meat, organs, or other tissues from harvested waterfowl.
- Cook all game meat to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Safety guidelines for falconers
- Consider not hunting waterfowl this season, and avoid hunting near wetlands or areas where migrating waterfowl congregate.
- Consider hunting only upland game birds and small mammals at this time.
- Do not feed any hunter-harvested birds to raptors.
- If a new bird is trapped, quarantine it for 10-14 days.
Help prevent the spread of HPAI
- Report waterfowl deaths of three or more individuals to the AZGFD Wildlife Health Program at ajusticeallen@azgfd.gov, or call the 24-hour hotline at 623-236-7201.
- Sick carnivores (bobcat, foxes, skunks, raccoons) should also be reported.
- Hunters with backyard poultry should take steps to protect flocks:
- Clean equipment, shoes and waders before returning home from hunting.
- Don’t let poultry have contact with migratory waterfowl.
- Secure feed bins from rodents and wild birds.
- Contact a veterinarian if any birds get sick or die.
