Hunters and people who work with wildlife, such as wildlife responders or park staff, may come into contact with wild birds or other wild animals that carry bird flu. Avoid handling sick or dead animals whenever possible. Report sick, injured or dead animals to WDFW.
Hunters and wildlife workers can track bird flu detections in wild birds and other animals nationally at USDA's Detection of Avian Influenza.
If you must handle sick or dead wild birds or other wild animals, wear personal protective equipment (PPE), especially gloves, eye protection and a respirator or well-fitting face mask. The best type of mask to wear is a NIOSH-approved respirator, rated N95 or greater. See the handout, Keep yourself and your family safe with PPE (PDF). When hunting, field dressing, or storing game, take precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to bird flu and other diseases.
For additional guidance for hunters and wildlife workers, see Avian Influenza, WDFW.
Handouts for Hunters
Guide for Hunters, Disease Prevention Best Practices (PDF)
Hunters and Hunting, Avian Influenza and Your Health (PDF)
USDA Wildlife Sampling and Testing
The USDA runs the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which helps monitor and control diseases in animals, including bird flu.
USDA biologists collect samples from harvested birds in places where hunters gather, such as state lands and national wildlife refuges. They may ask hunters if they can swab their birds to test for bird flu. Positive test results are posted on the USDA's Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds usually 10 days or more after the samples are collected.
USDA-APHIS also tracks bird flu in wild mammal based on samples submitted by state agencies. In Washington, samples collected by WDFW are included in USDA-APHIS counts after they are confirmed by the National Veterinary Sciences Laboratories.