The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has confirmed the arrival of “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza” in Alaska. This flu, detected in a mallard duck, is fatal to domestic poultry (such as chickens) and wild birds. It can spread rapidly via droppings and can even spread to humans.
Waterfowl hunting season peaks in the fall, and hunters are being advised to thoroughly cook any waterfowl collected this spring.
State and federal agencies are asking hunters to call the Department of Fish and Game, Fish and Wildlife Service, or the office of the State Veterinarian if they encounter large groups of birds that appear sick, abnormal or dead.
Avian influenza can survive freezing, but it cannot survive cooking at temperatures above 165 degrees.
