AZGFD asks hunters to report large mortality events of waterfowl
Posted October 6, 2022
Agency offers safety guidelines for handling harvested waterfowl
PHOENIX — With the waterfowl hunting seasons beginning in the Mountain Zone (Oct. 7 to Jan. 15) and Desert Zone (Oct. 23 to Jan. 31) regions of Arizona, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering tips on what hunters and falconers can do to help prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and keep themselves safe.
HPAI (also known as “bird flu”) continues to be detected around the country and there have been recent detections in domestic and wild birds in Arizona. The disease 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 their 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 of in the trash
- 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
- Cook all game meat to an internal temperature of 165°F
Help prevent the spread of HPAI
- Report waterfowl deaths of 3 or more individuals to the AZGFD Wildlife Health Program at ajusticeallen@azgfd.gov
- Sick carnivores (bobcats, foxes, skunks, raccoons) should also be reported
- Falconers should not feed waterfowl to their birds and should consider hunting only upland game birds and small mammals for the near future
- Hunters with backyard poultry should take steps to protect their flocks:
– Clean equipment, shoes and waders before returning home from hunting
– Don’t let your poultry have contact with migratory waterfowl
– Secure feed bins from rodents and wild birds
– Contact a veterinarian if any of your birds get sick or die
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