The Missouri Department of Conservation is monitoring reports of sick and dead waterfowl such as geese and ducks across the state. The department is actively collecting birds to determine the cause of illness, but suspects avian influenza to be the cause, according to a release from the conservation department. Other states, including Kansas and Iowa are experiencing similar occurrences.
According to the MDC, avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu, spreads as birds along the North American flyways intermingle with infected birds from Europe and Asia. The viruses are transmitted from bird to bird through fecal droppings, saliva and nasal discharges. There is a risk for spillover from wild birds into domestic poultry and then back again from poultry to wild birds, resulting in further spread.
Though bird flu does not present an immediate public health concern, MDC recommends the following:
• not touching dead geese, waterfowl or other bird species;
• reporting sightings of dead geese to MDC online at short.mdc.mo.gov/4KD; and
• ensuring pets do not come into contact with dead animals to help prevent the spread of disease.
For those who might come into contact with a dead goose, the MDC reports they should wash their hands thoroughly and contact a health care professional if there are any unusual symptoms experienced.
Due to ongoing waterfowl hunting seasons, waterfowl hunters should dress game birds in the field whenever possible or at a location away from poultry or other birds.
Hunters should also properly dispose of harvest waste by placing the remains in trash bags and disposing of them through trash collection or a permitted landfill. Bald eagles and other raptors are particularly susceptible to avian influenza, reports the conservation department.
“This simple action could help prevent bald eagle and other raptor mortalities,” reports the MDC.
Hunters should also be aware it is possible to transport avian influenza viruses on boats, waders or other equipment, especially if it isn’t dry before moving it from one site to another.
“Allowing hunting equipment to dry between outings will reduce this chance,” reads the MDC release.
While avian influenza does not present an immediate public health concern, on rare occasions it has infected humans and other animals, warns the conservation department.
“It is safe to eat poultry and wild game as normal cooking temperatures are hot enough to kill the virus if present. Meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit,” reads the release.
