As Missouri’s falconry hunting season for ducks and other waterfowl opens, experts urge hunters to take necessary precautions to mitigate the risk of avian flu. The H5 avian influenza virus, particularly transmissible among waterfowl, continues to pose a health concern, prompting the Missouri Department of Conservation to inform hunters about best practices for handling game and reporting any large die-offs of waterfowl.
Deborah Hudman, the wildlife health program supervisor at MDC, emphasizes the importance of hygiene, recommending that hunters avoid direct contact with dead birds and properly dispose of carcasses. With the light goose hunting season now in effect through April 30, proactive measures such as cleaning equipment and monitoring health for symptoms following exposure are crucial in protecting both hunters and local bird populations from the spread of the virus.
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