Snowy Owl
Retired in 2010, In Memoriam
Avian flu concerns prompt precautions
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The pathogenic form of the virus hasn't been found in North America, but check-station officials will don gloves, goggles
http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/sports/1158200713218420.xml&coll=7
The pathogenic form of the virus hasn't been found in North America, but check-station officials will don gloves, goggles
Thursday, September 14, 2006BILL MONROE
It might take a little courage this fall at the check station to hand over your duck or goose to the outstretched hand of someone in uniform . . . someone wearing rubber gloves and goggles.
But don't worry. It's almost certain your bird won't be infected.
The highly feared, highly pathogenic form of an H5N1 avian flu virus has killed humans in Asia and Europe. But it hasn't been discovered in North America, despite biologists swarming across the Arctic tundra, where migratory birds from Oregon and the Pacific Flyway mix and mingle with those wintering in Asia.
State and federal biologists will take no chances in Oregon. Everyone in a position to handle live or dead birds will have to wear the equipment -- necessary or not.
"I don't know how hunters will react," said Brad Bales, waterfowl chief for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. "It's something pretty new. Some will voice concerns. Others will probably go with the flow, but it's just a precaution. I'm sure once everyone is on board, they'll understand."
In addition to testing in the north, most states also are randomly sampling birds by taking swab samples of anal passages.
Bales said the testing will continue during the hunting season and include harvested birds as well as fecal samples from goose droppings in fields.
Testers have found basic avian flu that is around all of the time, he said, but none of the highly pathogenic forms.
In fact, most hunters probably have antibodies in their blood from previous exposure to avian flu, said Colin Gillin, wildlife veterinarian for ODFW.
It's nothing new, and it's nothing that will make hunters ill, Gillin said.
CONTINUED
http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/or...sports/1158200713218420.xml&coll=7&thispage=2
It might take a little courage this fall at the check station to hand over your duck or goose to the outstretched hand of someone in uniform . . . someone wearing rubber gloves and goggles.
But don't worry. It's almost certain your bird won't be infected.
The highly feared, highly pathogenic form of an H5N1 avian flu virus has killed humans in Asia and Europe. But it hasn't been discovered in North America, despite biologists swarming across the Arctic tundra, where migratory birds from Oregon and the Pacific Flyway mix and mingle with those wintering in Asia.
State and federal biologists will take no chances in Oregon. Everyone in a position to handle live or dead birds will have to wear the equipment -- necessary or not.
"I don't know how hunters will react," said Brad Bales, waterfowl chief for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. "It's something pretty new. Some will voice concerns. Others will probably go with the flow, but it's just a precaution. I'm sure once everyone is on board, they'll understand."
In addition to testing in the north, most states also are randomly sampling birds by taking swab samples of anal passages.
Bales said the testing will continue during the hunting season and include harvested birds as well as fecal samples from goose droppings in fields.
Testers have found basic avian flu that is around all of the time, he said, but none of the highly pathogenic forms.
In fact, most hunters probably have antibodies in their blood from previous exposure to avian flu, said Colin Gillin, wildlife veterinarian for ODFW.
It's nothing new, and it's nothing that will make hunters ill, Gillin said.
CONTINUED
http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/or...sports/1158200713218420.xml&coll=7&thispage=2