Hunters get this message

[AlaskaDenise]

While visiting my avid bird-hunting relatives in WA, the difference in BF concern was amazing. 2 years ago, when I raised the issue, they discounted my concerns. This time, they were very worried. They were well informed as to how to handle birds they had shot, BUT were unaware that pets (primarily cats, but also dogs) can get H5N1.

Hunter education campaigns should include warnings to watch their dogs for signs of BF after a hunt.

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[scottmcpherson]

Re: Hunters get this message

I wonder if we could stage some sort of mass swabbing of duck and goose parts when hunters emerge from the woods. Maybe set up sample collections stations during hunting season at major checkpoints where hunters could bring dead birds for analysis before bringing them home.

A common complaint is that we are not checking enough wild birds. Also, we hear that virus shows up much more frequently in dead birds than live ones. So what if we declared may or June or whenever hunting season is, to be some sort of sample collection month? We have already determined (Iowa study, last year) that hunters can have antibodies to a whole range of influenzas, as do wildlife workers.

Just a thought. It certainly can't hurt! If it is done already, sorry. Am not a hunter.