Large Migrations of Geese May Have Sick Birds
In this eight-day break from waterfowl hunting following the Dec. 1 finish to the first split and the Dec. 10 resumption of the 60-day season, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are urged to be on the lookout for waterfowl, especially snow geese, that are exhibiting signs of or have died from avian influenza.
Brett Leach, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s waterfowl program coordinator, notes that there has been a big push into Arkansas of snow geese in recent days. Callers have noted some sick or dead birds, and this makes it a good time to remember to stay vigilant about the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Arkansas experienced its first outbreak of HPAI in 2022, with illness mostly reported in light geese. Influenza viruses are normal in wild waterfowl and rarely cause issues, but this version of avian influenza can cause serious illness in domestic poultry and wild birds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that the public health risk from HPAI is low, but people should avoid handling sick or dead birds found in the wild.
Here are some safety guidelines recommended for hunters and others who spend time in the outdoors and who may encounter sick geese:
* Harvest only waterfowl that act and look healthy. Do not handle or eat sick animals.
* Field dress and prepare game outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
* Wear disposable gloves while handling and cleaning game.
*Clean waterfowl as soon as possible after harvest and dispose of unwanted parts in a manner that prevents scavenging by domestic animals and wildlife.
* Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling carcasses.
* Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning harvested game. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
* Clean knives, equipment and surfaces that come into contact with game.
* Thoroughly cook all game to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating it.
Visit agfc.com/avianflu for more information. The healthy geese in the photo at the top were photographed by the AGFC’s Mike Wintroath near Roe, Arkansas, in a recent waterfowl season