2024 Update
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is monitoring reports of sick and dead waterfowl, such as geese and ducks, across the state. The Department is actively collecting birds to determine the cause of illness but suspects highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to be the cause. Other states, including Kansas and Iowa, are experiencing similar occurrences.
Avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu, spreads as birds along the North American flyways intermingle with infected birds from Europe and Asia. The viruses are transmitted from bird to bird through fecal droppings, saliva, and nasal discharges. There is a risk for spillover from wild birds into domestic poultry and then back again from poultry to wild birds, resulting in further spread.
Though HPAI does not present an immediate public health concern, MDC recommends the following:
- Do not touch dead geese, waterfowl, or other bird species.
- Report any sightings of dead geese to MDC online at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4KD
- Ensure that pets do not come into contact with dead animals to help prevent the spread of disease.
- If you have inadvertently come into contact with a dead goose, wash your hands thoroughly and contact a healthcare professional if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Due to ongoing waterfowl hunting seasons, waterfowl hunters should dress game birds in the field whenever possible or at a location away from poultry or other birds. Hunters should also properly dispose of harvest waste by placing the remains in trash bags and disposing of them through trash collection or a permitted landfill. Bald eagles and other raptors are particularly susceptible to avian influenza. This simple action could help prevent bald eagle and other raptor mortalities.
Hunters should also be aware it is possible to transport avian influenza viruses on boats, waders, or other equipment, especially if it isn’t dry before moving it from one site to another. Allowing hunting equipment to dry between outings will reduce this chance.
Avian influenza does not present an immediate public health concern, though on rare occasions it has infected humans and other animals. It is safe to eat poultry and wild game as normal cooking temperatures are hot enough to kill the virus if present. Meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Commonly Infected Wildlife
Highly pathogenic avian influenza can infect all birds, including wild birds like hawks and geese, and domestic birds such as chickens and turkeys.
It is not necessary to remove backyard bird feeders. Songbirds do not appear to be major carriers of this virus, so are at low risk from this avian influenza strain. Widespread removal of feeders is not an effective way to reduce the spread since waterfowl and raptors do not visit bird feeders frequently. However, removing bird feeders is a wise precautionary measure for anyone who also keeps chickens, ducks, or other domestic birds.
Check here for more information from All About Birds regarding risks to songbirds from bird feeders.
Is This Animal Infected?
Some birds infected with HPAI will exhibit neurological symptoms - tremors, head tilting, lethargy, loss of coordination, inability to fly or walk properly, or trouble standing upright. HPAI is fatal, so often the indicator is discovery of multiple dead birds together.
Please email wildlifehealth@mdc.mo.gov to report sick or dead WILD birds.
Contact your veterinarian and the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health division at (573) 751-3377 if you see sickness in domestic birds.
Can I Get It?
Avian influenza does not present an immediate public health concern. On rare occasions it has infected humans and other animals. Use common sense precautions and do not handle sick birds or birds that died of unknown causes. On April 28, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first detection of this strain of avian influenza in a person in the U.S. The case was not in Missouri, and the person had direct exposure to poultry with presumptive H5N1 bird flu. The patient reported fatigue for a few days as their only symptom and recovered. The CDC still considers the risk to humans/general public to be low.
Is it Safe to Eat Meat?
It is safe to eat poultry and wild game birds because normal cooking temperatures are hot enough to kill the virus. Make sure to cook your meat to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hunters are advised to take common sense precautions when handling harvested birds in the field or at home. They should be aware that it is possible to transport avian influenza viruses on boats, waders, or other equipment, especially if it isn’t dry before moving it from one site to another.
Current Situation (Spring 2023)
Last fall, Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) tested over 123 birds that range from waterfowl, raptors, seabirds, and shore birds. Out of the 123 birds tested, 47 were positive for avian flu. Currently, no songbirds have tested positive for the virus in the state of Missouri.
If you see five or more dead waterfowl in one location or a mammal near a water source that is displaying neurological abnormalities (seizures, unbalanced, lethargic, or easily approachable) please report to MDC Wildlife Health Unit (wildlifehealth@mdc.mo.gov or 573-522-4115 x3901).
HPAI Results (Sept. 2022-March 2023)
