Hunters urged to take biosecurity measures against bird flu

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Published: September 16, 2024

,

Photo: martinfaint/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Farmers planning to hunt geese and ducks this fall should take measures to reduce the risk of transmitting bird flu to flocks and herds say experts from North Dakota State University (NDSU).

“The best defense against [highly pathogenic avian influenza] is having a biosecurity plan in place,” said Mary Keena, NDSU Extension livestock environmental management specialist. “It is your job as an animal owner to create a line of separation between your clean animals and the potential unclean issues that wildlife or visitors may bring.”

The risk of avian flu transmission increases in hunting season due to increased interaction with wild birds, NDSU staff said in an article posted this month. Waterfowl, gulls, terns and shorebirds are the primary carriers of avian influenza A —the strain responsible for deadly outbreaks in poultry flocks and, more recently, milder outbreaks in U.S. dairy herds.

Read Also

Photo: File

Manitoba Crop Report: Rains not enough to curb dryness

Many areas of Manitoba received varied amounts of rainfall during the week ended July 6, 2025. However, it was not enough to replenish moisture in some areas.

“Infected birds shed bird flu viruses in their saliva, mucous and feces,” said Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. “If you hunt game or wild birds and own domestic poultry or livestock, do not wear hunting clothes or footwear while you are interacting with your poultry or livestock.”

NSDU extension staff recommended the following biosecurity measures:

  • Avoid hauling the disease home by changing clothings and footwear before crossing the clean/dirty line to care for animals.
  • Avoid driving through areas where waterfowl and other wildlife feces may be. If it cannot be avoided, clean shoes, vehicles and equipment thoroughly.
  • Field dress birds where possible.
  • Keep dogs away from poultry or livestock if they’ve interacted with waterfowl. Dogs aren’t a high risk to contract the virus, but may transmit bird flu to domestic flocks.
  • If visitors are interacting with flocks or herds, find out where they’ve been. Require them to wash hands and wear clean or disinfected clothing and shoes.
  • Clean up litter and spilled food around animal housing to reduce attractiveness for wild birds.
  • Consider bringing in any free-range guinea fowl and waterfowl.

—Updated Sept. 19. Removes reference to documented cases of dogs spreading bird flu to poultry. 

About the author

Geralyn Wichers

Geralyn Wichers

Digital editor, news and national affairs

Geralyn graduated from Red River College's Creative Communications program in 2019 and launched directly into agricultural journalism with the Manitoba Co-operator. Her enterprising, colourful reporting has earned awards such as the Dick Beamish award for current affairs feature writing and a Canadian Online Publishing Award, and in 2023 she represented Canada in the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists' Alltech Young Leaders Program. Geralyn is a co-host of the Armchair Anabaptist podcast, cat lover, and thrift store connoisseur.

 

explore

Stories from our other publications