Bird Flu

[Man Tracker]

Any updated info on what is happening with wild waterfowl and bird flu? Hearing of a significant number of birds (ducks/snow geese) ill and dying in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. Hoping for an update. Thanks.

[zwickeyman]

I heard it's bad in sw idaho too. I've been taking lots of Ducks and geese in se idaho with no signs but I'm probably pushing my luck

[h2ofowlr]

It's been pretty bad and getting worse during this cold weather.  They picked up over 400 on Wiser Lake a few weeks back.  Been a lot on Fir Island, juvie snows.  Been seeing lots of sick snows.  Don't know what classification testing they are testing positive for.  They are classified into two categories: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).  I am also hearing some are dying from cholera.  Would be interesting to get the bio intel on this.
I keep seeing a lot of sick or dead snow geese.  Sick or dead swans and I have only found a few ducks.  I have heard that biologist have been getting intel or collecting other predatory birds that have been sick or dead.  I also saw reports of at least 1k collected in Oregon.  The sick ones that have been collected in California have been from cholera.  The HPAI thrives in cold weather, so might explain less signs in California.

[M_59]

I heard reports today of 2 instances of 60-70 birds found dead in a couple different spots west of Mount Vernon.

[h2ofowlr]

I heard reports today of 2 instances of 60-70 birds found dead in a couple different spots west of Mount Vernon.

Probably finding them off of Beaver Marsh Rd.  They have been concentrated in that area.

[CasterlyRock]

Latest update from Dr Dobbs WSDA is attached

Detection Map:
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=5bb22df733ae49b29ac7b3cc3c7fc3e3

[Gringo31]

I've heard reports in Benton County as well.  Is it bad if I hope it takes out a pile of snow geese?  I don't mind the blacks......

[steeleywhopper]

Are guys actually eating ducks and geese right now if they could have the Avian Flu?

[boneaddict]

I've heard reports in Benton County as well.  Is it bad if I hope it takes out a pile of snow geese?  I don't mind the blacks......

It was raining snow geese a couple weeks ago down in Oregon.  Something to do with a lunar eclipse and snow.  They got disoriented and fell from the sky to their deaths.  Not bird flu related, but…..

[jackelope]

Are guys actually eating ducks and geese right now if they could have the Avian Flu?

From what I understand, as long as they’re properly cooked, it’s not a danger to humans.
Bigger danger if you ask me is from a biosecurity standpoint and transporting birds out of one area into another. I’ve looked into this almost not at all but it’s something I’d be concerned with.

[zwickeyman]

Ive been eating everything. Honkers, Mallards, Widgeon and Teal but I look at every one of them for signs. I think I am done for the year though, why take more of a chance because I never cook a duck to 165, usually around 145 - 150

[Gringo31]

That is the problem.  Ducks and geese are best rare (IMO), if you cook them to the 160 degrees as suggested by officials, they aren't worth eating. 

I am seeing quite a few singles hanging all by themselves.  Even saw a "road kill" snow goose this morning on a gravel road.... 

[h2ofowlr]

Are guys actually eating ducks and geese right now if they could have the Avian Flu?

Yes, I will let you know if I get sick.  Just shooting those on the wing and not picking up any other birds I find in the field.  I am seeing a lot in the ditches, fields and low single flyers.  Those all get a pass from me.

[KP-Skagit]

I'm eating them. Not sure I buy into you being able to get a respiratory illness from eating meat... Maybe if you like to kiss your ducks...

Last ones I shot I left hanging for a day in the cold before opening them up.

I too am passing birds that seem like they are acting sick.

[h2ofowlr]

I received word that over 700 birds have been recovered in Skagit and Snohomish recently.  I don't have a published statement to provide credit to this, but info that I received today.

[92xj]

I received word that over 700 birds have been recovered in Skagit and Snohomish recently.  I don't have a published statement to provide credit to this, but info that I received today.

wdfw instagram published that today.
I believe there are lots more than that number.

I know there are stretches along the big river that are lined, not heavily, but lined with dead and sick snows on the bank.

[Fidelk]

My usual 2 dozen of Wilcox eggs are not currently available from Costco......bird flu was mentioned as a possible cause. But their eggs were available in a 5 dozen pack. Not sure that makes any kind of sense.

[h2ofowlr]

https://wdfw.wa.gov/newsroom/wdfw-statement/wdfw-statement-avian-influenza-outbreak-among-waterfowl-around-skagit-bay?fbclid=IwAR3lmpfxtUY6XnQjO5HoPYOVxXByzox3yNhdERi6MoJXcNfZ1g2ugtylcA4&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

[Gringo31]

I'm hearing reports and seeing things that make me believe this is going to be a real problem.  Seeing a lot of singles all by themselves that seem out of it. 

You'd think it would be getting more press.  Seen a lot of feds in the area watching the Columbia river.

[CP]

I’m seeing a lot of what appears to be sick swans and a few dead ones.  Also, more than the usual number of feather piles where something ate a dead duck/goose/swan.

I think this outbreak is getting worse.

[Special T]

I just wish the Bird Flu was harder on Merganser and cormorants!

[pickardjw]

Saw my first assumed avian flu casualty yesterday on the Snoho, snow goose floating dead in the water with no sign of injury.

[BD1]

Was a Lerevicks this weekend...several dead snows in the ditches and ducks refusing to fly when jumped...we didn't stick around. Sad to see actually.

[Special T]

I had been thinking I'd pass on possibly sick birds because cooking to 160 is overcooked. I talked to a buddy the pressure cooked them and made duck tacos... I think I'm gonna be killing those from now on.

[BD1]

Yeah if a bird is to sick to fly , that is an easy pass for me. Disappointing because my son lives for duck/goose season. I am also leaving my dog at home for the foreseeable future which is disappointing  :'(

[Stein]

I had been thinking I'd pass on possibly sick birds because cooking to 160 is overcooked. I talked to a buddy the pressure cooked them and made duck tacos... I think I'm gonna be killing those from now on.

That or duck/goose pastrami.  Most recipes have 150 or so, 160 wouldn't be much different at all.

[jackelope]

https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=36203&fbclid=IwAR1kRKCmJ08CMKbbPd02jKTECAmV842vdxT1OLXAAtn9yN6QkBUHQkZjh94

“BIRD FLU INFECTS FIRST COMMERCIAL FLOCK IN WASHINGTON”

[Gringo31]

Something is wrong when you can pull up to a raven 20 yards away and it's too sick to give a crap.  Cell phone pic...





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[Sandberm]

https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=36203&fbclid=IwAR1kRKCmJ08CMKbbPd02jKTECAmV842vdxT1OLXAAtn9yN6QkBUHQkZjh94

“BIRD FLU INFECTS FIRST COMMERCIAL FLOCK IN WASHINGTON”

My step son wanted to get a part time job at one of these large commercial chicken farms. One of the stipulations was that he agreed to not hunt any game birds.

Guess I know why.