Bird Flu and Huntig

Stay safe this season: Hunt responsibly, stay healthy

When hunting, the risk of being exposed to bird flu is low. However, hunters may risk exposure when handling infected game animals, particularly when skinning, plucking, or field dressing them.

At-risk animals

All bird species can be infected with bird flu, including ducks, geese, gulls, and various other waterfowl.

In rare cases, the virus can also be passed on to mammals that consume the infected birds. It has been found in:

Ferrets
Foxes
Mink
Seals
Skunks

It should be noted that infection is not always apparent: A bird or wild animal may appear healthy while still carrying the virus. It is therefore important to follow hygiene recommendations to reduce the risk of spreading bird flu.

Guidelines for reducing the risk of bird flu

Avoid any contact with animals that appear sick or are found dead of unknown causes.
Do not handle or consume them.
Always clean and disinfect your tools and work surfaces after handling animals, including your vehicle’s loading surface.
Use warm soapy water or a household disinfectant, such as a diluted bleach solution, to clean all your tools and work surfaces.
Wear different clothing, footwear, and equipment when handling wild birds and other animals.
Immediately remove and wash clothing and footwear that may have been contaminated with blood, feces, or saliva.

Reduce the risk: Handling and cleaning game

Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling dust, feathers, or droplets.

Outdoors: Handle the animal with your back to the wind, so that the wind blows away from you toward the animal. Indoors (or in a poorly ventilated environment): Wear a mask.

To avoid direct contact with blood, feces, and saliva:

Wear nitrile, latex, or rubber gloves.
Avoid touching your eyes or face.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling the animal.

Make sure to keep young children and pets away from areas that could have been contaminated.

Food safety

To limit the spread of bird flu, make sure you properly cook game meat and organs:

Meat must reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
Whole birds must reach an internal temperature of 82°C (180°F).
Eggs must reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

Additional instructions:

Avoid eating raw or partially cooked eggs (runny yolk).
Always keep raw meat, organs, and eggs separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
Do not give raw or undercooked poultry or game meat to your animals, especially if you do not know its origin or if you are not sure that it is free of contamination.
Keep pets away from hunting areas and wild birds.

Wash your hands

Wash your hands with warm soapy water before and after handling or cleaning raw food and game.
If you do not have access to water, use hand sanitizer or wipes containing at least 60% alcohol.

Bird flu symptoms in humans

In humans, the symptoms of bird flu are similar to the seasonal flu: