Hunters should take simple precautions when harvesting and handling birds this season as bird flu has become an annual occurrence among wild bird populations.
While the health risk to hunters currently is low, they can help protect themselves and prevent the potential spread of the virus by following a few basic best practices when handling a harvest.
In the field
- Do not harvest or handle wild birds that are sick or found dead.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after handling game. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Dressing game birds
- Wear disposable gloves while cleaning or handling birds. Masks and eye protection also are recommended. Clean hands immediately afterward.
- Dress birds in the field if possible. If not, dress birds in a well-ventilated area away from other animals, especially poultry.
- Use dedicated tools for cleaning game, and disinfect them after use.
- Double bag any waste. Place anything discarded from the bird/s in the inner bag, tie it, then take off the disposable gloves and leave them in the outer bag before tying it closed.
- Dispose of the bag where poultry or other animals cannot access it.
Protect yourself
While bird flu rarely infects people, hunters should still take steps to protect themselves.
- Do not eat, drink or put anything in your mouth while cleaning or handling game.
- Avoid cross-contamination, keeping uncooked game in a separate container and away from cooked or ready-to-eat foods.
- Cook game meat thoroughly.
- If you develop signs or symptoms of bird flu after exposure to wild birds, seek medical attention and mention your exposure to wild birds.
Help Nebraska Game and Parks monitor for wildlife health by reporting sick, dead or abnormally behaving birds. File a report through the “avian influenza” page at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
