Avian Flu

What Does It Mean to Backyard Birders and Hunters?

► article and photo by Brad Fenson

Does notice of a new virus impacting birds alarm you? What are the risks for hunters and bird watchers? Viral infections have become front and centre after two-and-a-half years of COVID-19. While the Coronavirus educated many of us, there is still a fear and misunderstanding of viruses.

What Is It?

Avian influenza, more commonly referred to as “bird flu,” is a viral infection that can spread easily and quickly among birds, particularly waterfowl. Parts of North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa are currently seeing outbreaks. On June 14, 2022, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center said, “The first 2021/2022 detection of Eurasian strain (EA) highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in North America occurred in December 2021 in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Subsequently, HPAI EA H5 and EA H5N1 viruses have been confirmed in wild birds, backyard flocks, commercial poultry facilities, and wild mammals in both Canada and the United States.”

Initial Reaction

There’s always an alarm when a new virus or strain of infection is issued. Could it impact people? To date, no confirmations of the avian flu in humans have been reported in North America. Despite potential risks, birds are a genuine concern.

Concerns grew this spring when large flocks of migrating snow geese returned north. Hundreds and thousands of sick and dying geese were reported. Domestic poultry operations, including the largest duck producer in Canada, Brome Lake Ducks in Québec, were struck hard. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency ordered Brome Lake Ducks to slaughter 150,000 ducks and destroy 400,000 Pekin duck eggs to prevent the further spread of avian flu in domestic operations or wild fowl.

Warnings for Backyard Feeders

During the spring migration, sick birds were more prevalent. Wild bird enthusiasts were asked to stop feeding birds as this could cause the virus to spread through sharing food. However, the risk was diminished with birds nesting and rearing young in specific territories. Some species are more susceptible than others, and many people want to know about current risk factors for birds. Dr. Mark Boyce, Professor of Ecology, and Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) Chair in Fisheries and Wildlife Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, says, “According to our avian flu expert, Kathy Magor, avian flu is primarily an issue for waterfowl and gallinaceous birds (grouse, turkeys, pheasants, and chickens). The biggest issue for bird feeders at this time of year will be salmonella. Feces below feeders mix with seed and create a risk. Best to keep bird feeders for winter.”

Warnings for Hunters

This spring, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) posted information for hunters and the public that may encounter sick birds. Hunting was still allowed, and the consumption of harvested birds came with recommendations.

ECCC guidelines for hunters handling game meat:

• Cook game meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of approximately 74°C (165°F).

• Follow safe food handling practices such as hand washing and keeping game products separate from other foods to avoid cross-contamination.

• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling raw game products.

• Thoroughly clean contaminated surfaces, tools, work areas, and clothing.

• Wash boots that may have been in contact with bird droppings in a bleach solution of 50 millilitres to four litres of water.

Hunters enjoyed the spring white goose conservation hunts and there were no reports of people getting sick, despite thousands of birds being handled and consumed.

The Unknown

One of the fears for migrating birds was taking the avian flu back to large nesting colonies, where it could spread quickly. ECCC did foresee potential issues and stated, “check the federal migratory game bird hunting regulations for updates to migratory bird harvests restrictions.” If colonies of migrating birds were impacted over the summer, short notice could be given to hunters. The good news is there are no reports of further problem s or outbreaks.

Moving Forward

The recent avian flu outbreak is not the first and will not be the last. Reports of sick or dying birds during the summer have waned or completely disappeared. Todd Zimmerling, President and CEO of ACA, says, “My hope is that by the time the fall migration starts the disease will have run its course, and we will see little evidence of avian influenza when the big northern flocks of birds start to arrive. Even if the disease is still seen in some birds, it is important to keep in mind that at this point in time, we have no information that indicates that avian influenza poses a risk to hunters.”

Warnings were issued this spring, but information on avian flu has slowed or stopped. What are the present concerns, and what should everyone be aware of today? Doug Manzer, ACA senior scientist and Wildlife Program Manager, puts things in perspective, “Avian flu was particularly noticeable this spring among some migratory snow geese flocks. Avian flu can influence resident populations of game birds, although I'm not aware of this occurring within Alberta.”

Knowledge is power, so arm yourself with what you look for, handle any harvests safely, and continue to enjoy the plentiful seasons and fowl.

What To Look For and What To Do

• Watch for signs of avian flu. Do not touch a dead, injured, or sick bird, which may have nervousness, tremors, lack of coordination, and swelling around the head, neck, and eyes. A bird with avian flu will lack energy or movement and may be coughing, gasping for air, or sneezing. Some birds will appear to die suddenly or suffer from diarrhea. It is essential to know the signs, as hunters and the public are asked to report possible avian flu cases.

• Call the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative information line at 1-800-567-2033 or use their online reporting tool if you see any bird with symptoms. Concerns can also be relayed by calling Alberta Environment and Parks at 310-0000.