Avian Influenza (HPAI) and the fishermen

While Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is impacting wild and domestic birds in Massachusetts, the risk to humans, including fishermen, is generally low, but precautions should be taken to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• HPAI Outbreak:Massachusetts is experiencing a widespread outbreak of HPAI, also known as bird flu, affecting wild and domestic birds. 
• Risk to Humans:While humans are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses, those with direct or prolonged contact with infected birds, both live and dead, are at higher risk. 
• Fishermen and Others:Fishermen and other individuals who may encounter birds in their activities should avoid handling sick or dead birds. 

Safety tips for hunters

• Reporting and handling birds: Hunters should avoid handling any birds that appear sick or have been found dead. Report observations of sick or deceased birds if 5 or more birds are found at a single location using this simple form at mass.gov/reportbirds.
• Processing and cooking: Dress game birds in the field when possible. While eating wild game meat is generally considered safe, hunters can minimize risk from wildlife diseases by wearing gloves when dressing birds and washing hands with soap and water afterwards. Cook game meat to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill bacteria and viruses, including avian flu viruses. Click here for more information on best practices for processing and cooking wild game.
• Hunting dogs: While dogs are generally considered low risk for contracting avian influenza, use your best judgment when using hunting dogs for retrievals. It is recommended that dogs should be kept away from birds that appear sick or have been found dead. Hunters should avoid feeding dogs raw meat from harvested birds and keep them away from field dressed carcasses.

What hunters should know about HPAI read more from mass.gov

Stay safe!!

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