Avoid avian-borne viruses when hunting or handling migratory birds. These are just a list of precautions, usually for heavy fly zones

[Peter Emberley]

• Fact Sheet: Guidance on Precautions for the Handling of Wild Birds
• Information for Members of the Public and Hunters
  • Members of the Public
  • Hunters
• Precautions for Bird Banders/Aviculturists/Wildlife Rehabilitation ...
  • Aviculturists/wildlife rehabilitation centres

---

Information for Members of the Public and Hunters

Wild waterfowl in Canada and throughout the world are natural carriers of influenza viruses. These viruses typically cause little or no harm to the birds. Periodically these viruses can spread to domestic poultry and, under certain circumstances, to people. In general, human cases are related to close contact with infected live or dead poultry. While the risk of human infection with avian influenza viruses remains low, individuals should be cautious when handling wild birds.

Members of the Public

As a general guideline, members of the public should avoid handling live or dead wild birds. If you observe wild birds that are ill or you find dead wild birds, contact your local or provincial wildlife authority.

If contact with wild birds is unavoidable, wear gloves or use a doubled plastic bag and avoid contact with blood, body fluids and feces. You should then wash your hands with soap and warm water.

Follow these guidelines in the way you handle game meat:

• Cook game meat thoroughly, to an internal temperature of approximately 71ºC (160 º F).
• Follow safe food handling practices. The transmission of avian influenza viruses to people from eating uncooked or undercooked eggs or poultry is unlikely. However, proper safe food handling practices such as hand washing and keeping poultry and egg products separate from other food products to avoid cross contamination should be followed as a general practice.
• Thoroughly clean contaminated surfaces on tools and work surfaces with hot, soapy water and then disinfect the area using a household disinfectant.
• Always wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before handling food, and after handling raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs.

If you observe sick or dead birds and suspect that disease may be involved, contact the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre by calling 1-866-544-4744.

Hunters

It is considered safe to hunt, handle, and eat healthy game birds, especially if the following precautions are observed:

• Do not handle or eat sick birds or birds that have died from unknown causes.
• Avoid direct contact with blood, feces, and respiratory secretions of all wild birds.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while cleaning game.
• Wear dish gloves or latex gloves when handling or cleaning game. Wash gloves, hands, and clothing with soap and warm water immediately after you have finished. Thoroughly clean contaminated surfaces on tools and work surfaces with hot, soapy water and then disinfect the area using a household disinfectant. Immediately remove and wash clothing that may be contaminated with blood, feces or respiratory secretions.
• If you become ill while handling birds or shortly thereafter, see your doctor. Inform your doctor that you have been in contact with wild birds.