The Division of Wildlife Resources reports that the current avian influenza outbreak in the U.S. has also infected birds in Utah after a backyard flock of poultry tested positive for the virus. The DWR website shares that “although the current strain of HPAI (H5N1) presents a low risk to people, it has the possibility of adapting and changing over time, so it is important to protect yourself. Currently, no human cases of this strain have been detected in the United States.” Some general recommendations for the general public and hunters include observing wildlife, including wild birds, from a distance as this protects you from possible exposure to pathogens and minimizes disturbance to the animal. Do not touch or pick up sick or dead wildlife and do not harvest any animal that appears sick, or handle or eat meat from sick game. All game should be thoroughly cooked (well-done or 165° F). Keep your game birds cool, clean and dry. Wear rubber gloves while handling birds, wash hands with soap and water, and thoroughly clean all knives, equipment and surfaces that come in contact with birds. Then disinfect using a 10% chlorine bleach solution. Please report any large group (five or more birds) of dead waterfowl shorebirds, wild turkeys or quail (not found near power lines or roads), as well as dead raptors and scavengers found near waterfowl habitats to local wildlife authorities immediately.
