Wildlife Health
Guardians of the Flock: Hunters Play a Critical Role in Waterfowl Health Management
Whether enjoying a sunrise over wetlands or experiencing the thrills of hunting blue- and green-winged teal, hunters appreciate healthy and thriving waterfowl populations more than most people. However, as globalization continues to transform our landscape, it’s increasingly important that hunters and wildlife health professionals work together to support thriving waterfowl populations.
Lead Exposure
Lead is a highly toxic metal, and minor exposures can cause lethal lead poisoning in all types of animals as well as in humans. From the early 1900s, it was clear that lead ingestion by waterfowl and raptors was causing widespread health problems, including numerous waterfowl die-offs. To support waterfowl population recovery, in 1991, the use of lead shot to hunt waterfowl was banned nationwide by federal regulation. As hunters followed the new regulations, the amount of lead left in the environment from hunting was reduced, and waterfowl populations recovered.
Although lead shot is banned for use in waterfowl hunting, some scavenging birds, such as hawks and eagles, still succumb to lead poisoning every year, most commonly due to the use of lead shot for hunting other species, like big game. Lead exposure can also harm the immune systems of waterfowl, increasing their chance of catching diseases. To reduce these risks, hunters can choose to use non-lead shot while hunting. Non-lead shot continues to become more available, and using lead alternatives supports healthy communities of wildlife and people.
Avian Influenza
During the past two years, avian health surveillance has been increasingly important because of an outbreak of H5N1, a highly pathogenic type of avian flu that threatens both wild birds and poultry.
With the support of hunters and their participation in disease surveillance, DNR wildlife health biologists have been able to monitor the presence of H5N1 during migratory seasons from 2022–2024. These data greatly contributed to the USDA national database, which is used to illustrate the prevalence of H5N1 across the United States. Find more information at on.IN.gov/avian-flu.
One Health
Both lead contaminants and wildlife diseases can have detrimental effects on humans, wildlife, and environmental health. This is why DNR uses the One Health approach in waterfowl management, which recognizes the undeniable connections between humans, animals, and environment, and explores how issues in one area affect the health of the others.
Indiana DNR embraces the One Health approach because we respect the health of all environments and wildlife, as well as the humans who enjoy them. So, next time you’re out hunting, admire the beauty of the Earth around you and remember your connections to it. Thank you for playing an integral role in keeping Indiana waterfowl populations thriving.
