Wildlife Health

Name: eRegulations
Price range: $

Hunter paddling a small boat loaded with duck decoys through shallow water surrounded by winter brush in Indiana, preparing for a waterfowl hunt. — Waterfowl hunter paddling through Indiana wetlands — A duck hunter transports decoys by canoe through shallow marshland, showcasing the preparation and dedication behind Indiana’s duck hunting traditions.

Targeting the Threat: The Vital Role of Hunters in Avian Influenza Surveillance

Waterfowl hunting blends a harmony of natural elements. Hunters enjoy the thrill of the hunt surrounded by the peacefulness of beautiful wetlands. In recent years, the delicate balance of these ecosystems has been disturbed by an ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 event causing large-scale mortalities across the U.S, including Indiana. To combat the spread of this virus and protect the flock, hunters and biologists are working together to monitor waterfowl population health.

Impacts of Avian Influenza

H5N1 has circulated in wild birds since at least 2002. A new type of the virus, referred to as 2.3.4.4b, emerged in 2021, causing higher mortality rates than previously seen. Indiana recorded its first cases of H5N1 2.3.4.4b in 2022 and has since detected the disease in multiple species, including waterfowl, raptors, domestic poultry, and more. Since 2022, new types of H5N1 continue to emerge and change.

In recent years, H5N1 has been found to spread from birds to other animals. Mammals, such as foxes, bears, skunks, mice, and more have been infected, including some domestic animals like cattle and house cats. Although the risk to humans is considered low, there have been at least 70 human cases of H5N1, including one death; however, it does not seem the virus can readily spread from person-to-person.

Hunter Participation

Every hunting season, hunters participate in voluntary disease sampling. This research is critical for monitoring changes in the type and abundance of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in Indiana. Thanks to the keen observational skills of hunters in the field and their willingness to report sick birds to the DNR, biologists can identify the effects of avian influenza earlier than ever.

Safe carcass handling is a critical skill that hunters contribute to limiting disease spread. Simple actions such as processing birds in well-ventilated areas, disinfecting equipment such as knives and counters after processing birds, and properly disposing of bird remains contribute to slowing the spread of avian influenza into new areas.

These efforts by hunters help protect human health and wild bird populations in the field. Together, we can promote healthy marshland communities for generations to come.

Learn more about avian influenza in Indiana, including prevention, reporting, and testing updates, by visiting the Indiana DNR Avian Flu page.

Informational graphic from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources explaining when to report sick or dead wildlife, including guidance on what to report and what not to report, with a QR code linking to on.IN.gov/sickwildlife. — Report sick or dead wildlife in Indiana — The Indiana DNR encourages residents to help keep wildlife healthy by reporting unusual wildlife deaths, sick animals, or threatened species incidents.