The agency is urging hunters to exercise caution when approaching or hunting near areas where HPAI has been detected.
HPAI and Its Risks**
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a highly contagious and deadly disease that affects birds. It is caused by a strain of the influenza virus and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected birds, contaminated feed, or contaminated surfaces. HPAI is particularly deadly for domestic fowl, such as chickens and turkeys, and can also affect wild birds, including waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors. Symptoms of HPAI in birds include:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Labored breathing
- Discharge from the eyes and nostrils
- Death
- Wear protective clothing, including gloves, masks, and eye protection. Avoid touching or handling birds, feed, or equipment. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling equipment or visiting the farm. Avoid eating or drinking in areas where birds are present. ## Changing Clothing and Laundry
Tennessee’s Response to HPAI**
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is working closely with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the U.S.
Hunters and visitors must take precautions to prevent the spread of disease when interacting with poultry.
Precautions for Hunters and Visitors
Understanding the Risks
Waterfowl hunters and visitors to poultry farms must be aware of the risks associated with poultry diseases. Poultry diseases can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected birds, contaminated feed, or contaminated water. Poultry diseases such as avian influenza, Newcastle disease, and infectious bronchitis can cause severe illness or death in humans. These diseases can also have significant economic impacts on the poultry industry.*
Preventing the Spread of Disease
To prevent the spread of disease, hunters and visitors must take certain precautions:
Changing Clothing and Laundry
The Importance of Changing Clothing
Changing clothing is crucial to preventing the spread of disease. Outer layers of clothing, including boots, should be changed before entering any poultry facility. This includes clothing that has come into contact with birds, feed, or contaminated water. Changing clothing helps to prevent the transmission of disease-causing pathogens.*
The Importance of Laundry
Laundry is essential to removing any remaining pathogens from clothing.
Remove any dead birds from the yard, and dispose of them properly.
Preventing the Spread of HPAI
Understanding the Risks
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a serious and potentially deadly disease that affects birds. It is caused by a virus that can be transmitted to humans, making it a significant public health concern.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture monitors for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets, and migratory wild bird populations. TWRA submits wild bird test results to USDA for monitoring purposes and coordinates with Tennessee Department of Agriculture Veterinarians for disease management.
