TWRA offers precautions for possible cases of Avian Influenza
NASHVILLE —- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is reminding hunters to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions for possible cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) among wild birds, backyard domestic flocks, and commercial poultry flocks in the Southeast. HPAI is highly contagious among bird populations and is known to be deadly for domestic fowl.
“I am hearing reports out of Arkansas and Mississippi of snow geese infected with HPAI,” said Jamie Feddersen, TWRA Migratory Gamebird Coordinator. “I would recommend anyone handling a wild duck or goose to be mindful and use safety precautions. Anyone seeing sick or dying birds should report them through TWRA’s sick bird reporting system.”
Recommendations for Hunters:
- Hunters who handle wild birds should dress game birds in the field when possible and any remains from processed birds can be buried where the animal was harvested or double bagged and disposed of along with normal household waste.
- Waterfowl hunters who raise poultry, work on poultry farms, or visit poultry farms should change all outer layers of their hunting clothing, including boots, before entering any poultry facilities.
- Clothing should be laundered as soon as possible to prevent contamination, and boots should be treated with a 10 percent bleach solution before and after entering commercial or backyard poultry facilities to prevent the virus from being transferred to new locations.
Recommendations for Homeowners:
- Watchable wildlife, including songbirds, can also be affected by HPAI. Homeowners should stop feeding birds and cover bird baths, if dead birds are found, until this wildlife mortality event subsides.
- Clean up any excess feed that has spilled or was placed onto the ground, and clean feeders and bird baths with a 10 percent bleach solution.
- Avoid contact with any dead or dying bird. If contact occurs, wash your hands with soap and water and change clothing before having any contact with healthy domestic poultry and other birds.
- Dead or dying bird sightings may be reported to TWRA on the TWRA website. Community-based reporting supports the early detection of disease and bird health monitoring.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) monitors for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets, and migratory wild bird populations. TWRA submits wild bird test results to USDA for monitoring purposes and coordinates with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Veterinarians for disease management.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.
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