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.