Bird Flu and Food Safety

Bird flu, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), can affect domestic animals, wildlife and human health. The Eurasian strain of the virus has been impacting wild and domestic birds in Europe and Asia since August of 2020 and was detected in North America in late 2021. It typically spreads among birds but can also spread to humans.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control recommends taking the following precautions when handling birds while hunting and preparing food.

• Do not handle or eat birds that are obviously sick or that are found dead.
• While cleaning and handling wild game, do not drink or place anything in your mouth.
• Hunters who handle wild birds should dress game birds in the field or in a well-ventilated area and practice good hygiene to prevent any potential disease spread by wearing gloves and eye protection when possible.
• Use dedicated tools for cleaning game in the field or at home. Do not use the same tools around other poultry or pet birds. Wash and disinfect all tools and work surfaces afterwards.
• Always cook meat from game birds to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming.

For up-to-date information and safety precautions, please see the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/food-safety.html