Avian influenza information for hunters

Overview

High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), also called bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause severe illness and death in birds. A new strain of the virus, H5N1 bird flu, is more concerning than previous strains, as it not only causes mass mortality in poultry but also in wild birds and some mammals.

What to do:

1. AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment. Do not touch or collect sick or dead wild birds or wildlife (other than when you’re recovering your downed game birds).

2. RECORD what you see. If safe, record information on the number of sick and/or dead birds/animals, species, location (GPS reading), date and time.

3. REPORT to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) by using this form, or by calling 136 186.

• Report clusters (5 or more) of sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.

• Report even one:

• sick or dead penguin or pelican

• sick or dead bird of prey (e.g. hawks, owls, eagles)

• sick or dead black swan

• sick or dead marine mammal (e.g. seals, sea lions, dolphins)

Reporting will be key to the early detection of HPAI H5N1 in Victoria.

Following a report, DEECA will evaluate the need for diagnostic testing for further investigation.

Further information on what you can do to protect yourself from exposure to H5N1 by practicing good hygiene is available from Agriculture Victoria.

What hunters can do to reduce the risk of disease spread

Avian influenza viruses can be transmitted between birds or to other animals via direct contact with respiratory secretions and faecal material, as well as indirect exposure to contaminated environments or objects (e.g. clothing, boots, equipment, etc.).

To prevent spread and protect the health of wildlife, domestic birds and humans, good hygiene and biosecurity practices should be maintained when visiting sites, moving between sites and when handling wildlife.

This includes measures prior to arrival, during activities and after departure. As a general precaution, hunters should not harvest, handle (other than when you’re recovering your downed game birds) or eat birds that look sick or are found dead.

When hunters need to handle waterfowl, they should:

• field dress and prepare game outdoors or in a well-ventilated area

• wear rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling and cleaning game

• when done with handling game, practice good hygiene to prevent any potential disease spread by washing hands thoroughly with soap or disinfectant, and cleaning knives, equipment and surfaces that come in contact with game

• avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose; cover any cuts or grazes with a water-resistant dressing under personal protective equipment (PPE) e.g. water-resistant band-aids

• avoid eating, drinking or smoking whilst handling/cleaning birds

• ensure that all game is thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 75 degrees Celsius

• for hunters who are immune-compromised or have a chronic respiratory condition, consider having someone else clean your ducks after hunting to reduce the risk of infection. If this is not possible, you should wear disposable gloves, eye protection and a P2 facemask as a minimum.

Farm biosecurity for hunters

It’s important for hunters to be aware of biosecurity risks when entering farming premises.

Hunters who have permission to hunt game species on private property should do the following:

• make contact with the property owner and/or manager before arriving at the property to record their visit and find out whether the farm manager requires them to take any specific biosecurity precautions before entering the property

• have basic tools/equipment (e.g. bucket, disinfectant, gloves, scrubbing brush, hoof pick/screwdriver/utility knife, bag for soiled clothing) in your vehicle to clean and remove any visible traces of animal and plant material from footwear before lawfully entering the property to hunt, and again prior to departure.

Remember, if you’re not sure, then ask the property owner or manager if additional measures or precautions need to be taken before you arrive at the property.

Risks to people

Avian influenza rarely spreads to humans but may occur if there is close contact with infected animals, droppings or heavily contaminated environments. Signs in humans are usually mild, such as mild respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis, such as sore red eyes, or flu-like symptoms, such as fever, muscle ache, headache, sore throat and shortness of breath.

For more information on bird flu and human health and what to do, visit the Department of Health website.