Bird flu outbreak now largest on record

As bird flu continues to decimate poultry flocks across the nation, the Wyoming Game & Fish Department is advising waterfowl hunters to take precautions this season to minimize your risk of contracting this disease.

Large waterfowl die-offs have been observed recently due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), otherwise known as bird flu, in the Cheyenne and Wheatland areas. Though it’s extremely rare for this zoonotic disease to infect humans, it is possible.

If you have been exposed to birds that may be infected with HPAI, monitor for illness for ten days, according to Wyoming Department of Health guidance. If you are concerned that your pets may have been exposed, consult your vet.

The latest reports from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show that the United States has now broken the record for the number of birds affected by HPAI as compared to previous outbreaks. In 2015, a total of 50.5 million birds across 21 states were affected; at the beginning of this week, CDC figures showed that 57.8 million poultry and wild birds have been effected in 50 states.

Only one human case has so far been reported, in New Mexico in April, 2022. The risk of infection remains low, but preventative measures are still recommended.

In Wyoming, a total of ten individual outbreaks have been reported since this outbreak began, including in Campbell, Converse, Johnson and Sheridan counties. Crook County is meanwhile one of the few Wyoming counties in which bird flu has not yet been detected in wild birds.

Affected species in Wyoming are wide-ranging, from great-horned owls and Canada geese to wild turkeys, American kestrels, golden and bald eagles, turkey vultures, red-tailed and sharp-shinned hawk, Peregrine falcon, swans, teals, cranes, magpies and grebes.

Game & Fish advises waterfowl hunters this season to avoid harvesting, handling or eating game that does not appear healthy. Make sure to field dress and prepare game outdoors or in a well-ventilated area and wear rubber or disposable nitrile gloves while handling and cleaning game.

Wash hands thoroughly with soap or disinfectant when done handling game and clean knives, equipment and surfaces. Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling animals and do not feed sick or found dead carcasses to domestic animals, such as dogs and cats.

All game should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F before consumption.

Game & Fish is also looking to learn more about the distribution of HPAI in Wyoming and asks that you contact your regional office if you encounter a cluster of three or more waterfowl or an individual raptor, grouse or wild turkey that is exhibiting signs of neurological impairment or has been found dead without apparent cause.

An online form can also be located on the Wyoming Game & Fish website.