#17,594
Although it is still mid-summer, the level of HPAI H5 avian flu virus in wild and migratory birds in Northern Europe is remarkable, and only likely to increase as the fall southbound migration picks up steam.
Also with fall come local hunting seasons, and that raises the possibility of exposure of hunters, and their dogs, to avian flu.
While the risks are relatively small (based on current H5 viruses), they are not zero. And viruses can (and do) change over time. Given the popularity of hunting, this is a risk exposure that will be repeated millions of times around the world in the months ahead.
Today Finland published the following advice.
Bird hunting season is approaching - how to take bird flu into account
August 2, 2023
The Food Agency recommends that waterfowl should not be hunted in areas or places where mass bird deaths or bird flu have been reported. In bird hunting, the use of a dog is common. Therefore, to protect the health of both humans and dogs, it is best not to hunt in areas with obvious bird flu. This recommendation applies to the entire country.
The Food Agency also recommends that no seagulls or crows be hunted at all this year for use in training dogs now or later. Viruses can remain infectious in frozen meat, and although infections in dogs have been rare in the world, the possibility of infection cannot be completely excluded. Tranquilized species (most aquatic and other bird species) may not be shot or used in training.
Uncooked game parts or meat should not be given to dogs. It is good to make sure that the dogs do not get to eat or chew prey animals or birds or other animals that have died by themselves. If the pet has managed to scavenge or eat a dead or diseased wild bird and the pet's general health deteriorates, it is necessary to seek veterinary care. If a cat or dog has clearly soiled itself with bird droppings, it is good to wash it carefully and you must take care of your own personal protection when washing the pet.
Handling of hunted birds
Even healthy birds of prey should be penned and cleaned with disposable gloves and wash your hands afterwards. Otherwise, normal food preparation hygiene and cooking the meat until done is sufficient. Dead or sick birds should never be eaten. The spread of bird flu viruses can also be prevented by taking care of the cleanliness of hunting equipment and avoiding visits to poultry farms after hunting trips. Persons caring for poultry or other birds should avoid hunting waterfowl, as well as other contact with wild waterfowl.
If you find several dead birds or birds with symptoms indicating a serious illness, you should contact the local municipal veterinarian. Waterfowl hunting in the area is no longer recommended at that time. Birds should also not be lured to the same place in large numbers by feeding, which is also the position of the Finnish Hunters' Association on the lure feeding of game birds. When feeding game other than birds, it is also good to follow such procedures that do not attract large numbers of seagulls or crows to the feeding place.
Read more:
Bird flu
THL: Bird flu
recommendation of the Finnish Hunters' Association
While I expect we'll see additional guidance released this fall for Canada and the United States, the USDA offers the following information for hunters in the U.S.
