Capitol News

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging waterfowl hunters to take precautions against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. The disease, which affects birds and some mammals, has been present in North American waterfowl since 2021 and continues to be detected in Michigan.

This year, HPAI cases have primarily been found in Canada geese, bald eagles, and red-tailed hawks. A full list of detections can be found on the DNR’s HPAI webpage. While cases can occur year-round, increases are expected during spring and fall migrations.

“Although it has been seen in Michigan for a few years now, the patterns of infection differ each year, and we continue to monitor this disease in Michigan’s wildlife,” said Dr. Scott Larsen, DNR wildlife veterinarian. “We count on our hunters, birdwatchers and other Michiganders to let us know what they’re seeing, and the online DNR Eyes in the Field reporting tool is a great way for folks to notify us of events with multiple sick or dead birds.”

The risk of HPAI infecting humans remains low but is higher for those who come into contact with infected animals or materials. Hunters are advised not to harvest or handle wild birds that appear sick or are found dead. Any die-off involving six or more waterfowl, gulls, or shorebirds should be reported through the DNR Eyes in the Field online tool or by contacting a local DNR field office.

Individuals who have close contact with sick or dead wild birds should monitor themselves for symptoms such as fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (with or without chills), sore throat, difficulty breathing, eye irritation, runny nose, and muscle aches for ten days after exposure.

To reduce risk when hunting waterfowl:

- Cook all meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

- Process wild birds in the field; dispose of remains properly.

- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth while handling wild birds.

- Wear gloves when handling birds; wash hands thoroughly afterward.

- Clean all equipment used during processing.

- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling wild birds.

Further information about HPAI and human health can be found at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Communicable Disease Information page as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Avian Flu page.

Hunters who care for domestic animals should also take steps to prevent transmission:

- Keep domestic animals away from wild birds and their remains.

- Prevent domestic animals from coming into contact with hunting gear that may be contaminated.

- Only feed cooked waterfowl meat (cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit) to other animals.

- Shower after hunting before tending to domestic animals.

- Wash hands before and after caring for animals.

- Avoid sharing equipment between locations.

Questions regarding animal health should be directed to a veterinarian. More information about avian influenza in domestic animals is available at the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Avian Influenza page.

A photo accompanying this announcement shows a Canada goose searching for food at Presque Isle Park in Marquette County.