TWRA urging hunters and poultry farmers to stay aware, a lethal avian illness has been noted in Tennessee.
Migratory Gamebird Coordinator Jamie Feddersen said Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is a respiratory disease infecting birds at an alarming rate, lethal and highly contagious in many bird populations. Feddersen said the strain he has seen tends to infect geese, raptors and domestic poultry. Feddersen said this influenza is a concern during the migratory season. When birds migrate, they gather in large groups, spreading the disease to flocks of other birds.
“It would be like us getting a very serious flu virus, and where they’re not able to be treated medically, where we are, they just, the disease becomes overwhelming to them and they just don’t survive,” Feddersen said.
Feddersen said the agency is most concerned about poultry farmers, as diseased birds could reach coups and spread the disease.
“Common procedure is to just euthanize all of the birds within a contained flock,” Feddersen said. “And so that could impact the economics of chickens and egg prices.”
Feddersen said hunters should exercise caution when handling birds by wearing gloves. Feddersen said hunters who raise poultry should change clothing after hunting or handling game birds, including boots. Feddersen said cleaning clothes often can decrease the chances of contamination.
Feddersen said homeowners should exercise these same cautions, as watchable wildlife can also be impacted.
“If somebody sees some dead birds around their bird feeder, they should stop feeding the birds immediately, and clean up any access food that’s around the area,” Feddersen said. “Avoid contact with any dead or dying birds.”
Feddersen said the influenza is not easily transmitted to people. Feddersen said washing your hands and limiting contact with dead or dying birds helps protect against any form of illness.
Feddersen said the influenza has a large impact on the environment, impacting species with lower populations. Feddersen said if anyone happens to see dead or dying birds they can report them at the agency website.
Feddersen said wild ducks can be a carrier for the disease without showing any symptoms.
