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January 12, 2007

Birds Test Negative for Avian Influenza

North Dakota Game and Fish Department biologists completed avian influenza testing in wild birds this past fall as part of a nationwide surveillance program designed to provide early detection of highly pathogenic strains in North America.

Biologists sampled 941 birds in 35 North Dakota counties from late July through early November. As expected, none of the birds tested positive for highly pathogenic strains, said Mike Szymanski, migratory game bird biologist. Likewise, ongoing surveillance in other states and countries has not detected highly pathogenic avian influenza in North America.

There are 144 strains of avian influenza designated as either highly pathogenic or low pathogenic. The strains scientists were looking to uncover in 2006 were highly pathogenic H5 or H7 strains. "Different strains of avian influenza actually are fairly common in wild birds, especially waterfowl," Szymanski said. "Just like in people, birds carry various influenza viruses, and they always will."

There is no conclusive evidence that wild birds can move the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus over great distances. However, Alaska is thought to be the most likely migratory pathway for entry into the United States if infected wild birds can move the virus from continents where H5N1 occurs. Therefore, the department focused sampling on species that were likely to have Alaskan or Siberian connections, and species most likely to mix with them. Species of primary sampling focus were tundra swans, lesser sandhill cranes, pintails, and several species of shorebirds. Other birds sampled were mallards, wigeon, gadwall, green-winged teal, shovelers and scaup.

"Hunters were very cooperative in letting department biologists sample their birds," Szymanski said. "We also thank swan hunters for calling biologists to schedule sampling, and also for those who stopped at designated offices to have their birds sampled."

Szymanski said the agency really only fell short of the testing quota on one species - swans - but were also a couple of samples short for cranes. However, given the difficulty in getting samples for these species, and that a strong cold front pushed most birds out of the state by Halloween, the program was deemed successful.

Although highly pathogenic avian influenza hasn't been found in North America, hunters should always follow common sense guidelines when handling wild game.

• Do not harvest or handle game that appears to be sick.
• Do not eat or drink while cleaning game.
• Wash hands and utensils thoroughly.
• Cook game to a minimum of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Wear rubber or latex gloves when cleaning game.

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