Anyone who reads the paper or watches the nightly news has undoubtedly taken notice of the recent Avian Influenza (AI) outbreaks in Asia. Waterfowl hunters have become especially mindful of the situation, as AI has been found in migratory birds. Several Delta members have inquired about the possible impacts of the virus on North America’s waterfowl and waterfowl hunters, noting the possible intermingling of North American and Eurasian migratory species on the northerly breeding grounds.  Though there are many subtypes or strains of avian flu, recent scares are centered on the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain.  As for the potential risk of transmission from Asian to North American migratory birds, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) says it can’t be ruled out, but is unlikely.  There is some overlap of summer range between the continents’ migratory birds in Alaska and eastern Russia.  However, the relatively small number of such individuals and the remote chance that an infected bird would carry the virus through a long migration to the area of intermingling make the chance of cross-continent transmission a slim one.  

Numerous authorities report that most cases of transmission to humans have been the result of direct handling of infected poultry, contact with contaminated surfaces, or ingestion of uncooked poultry products.  To date, there is no evidence of transmission of H5N1 from wild birds to humans; furthermore, the strain has not been detected in humans, poultry, or wild birds in North America.  Certainly waterfowl hunters should keep abreast of the situation as wildlife and health officials continue to monitor and learn more about the virus worldwide and here at home, but there is no evidence at this time that warrants any major concerns to our waterfowl or our waterfowl hunters.  As always, proper game care and cookery are the best means to safeguard yourself and your family against potential disease transmission from harvested game.   

Sources for additional information on Avian Influenza:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/ca/avian_influenza.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm

World Health Organization

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/

USGS National Health Center

http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/research/avian_influenza/avian_influenza.html