DNR advises waterfowl hunters to safeguard against bird flu amid outbreak

Simple health and safety precautions can limit the spread of HPAI

Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials are reminding waterfowl hunters to take precautions to protect themselves and domestic animals from highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. This fall, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reported increasing outbreaks of HPAI in commercial and backyard poultry flocks, including new detections in counties with popular waterfowl hunting destinations.

The DNR reports more HPAI detections in 2025 than were found in 2024; 130 wild birds have tested positive for HPAI in Michigan, with most detections in Canada geese, bald eagles and red-tailed hawks. Wildlife detections and pending cases are posted on the DNR’s HPAI webpage.

The disease has been found in every Michigan watershed, indicating that it has occurred throughout the state.

HPAI has been detected in surrounding states and other parts of the U.S. as well. Hunters traveling out of state are advised to follow all health and safety precautions regardless of where they are hunting. Visit the USDA H5N1 Influenza webpage for more information about national detections and response.

Michigan’s earliest waterfowl season opened Sept. 1 and the final season closes Feb. 15. Learn more at Michigan.gov/Waterfowl.

“Make sure to take appropriate precautions when field dressing wild birds. In order to kill the virus, use a food thermometer to ensure that meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit,” said Dr. Scott Larsen, DNR wildlife veterinarian. “It’s also important to properly clean and disinfect gear and equipment before coming into contact with domestic birds.”

HPAI is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes sickness and sometimes death in wild birds and mammals. HPAI infections can occur at any time of the year, but upticks are expected during spring and fall waterfowl migrations. Wild birds can carry HPAI without appearing sick.

Anyone who observes a die-off of six or more wild birds should report it through the DNR Eyes in the Field online tool or a local DNR field office.

Precautions for waterfowl hunters

The risk of HPAI infecting people is low, but the virus can spread through direct contact with infected animals or material. Hunters should always take precautions when handling wild birds to avoid contracting or spreading bird flu:

• Do not harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.
• Process wild birds in the field. Remains from processed birds should be buried on-site or double-bagged and disposed of with household trash.
• Wear rubber or disposable gloves while handling and cleaning wild birds, and wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleanser, even if hands are not visibly soiled.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth when handling wild birds.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling or cleaning wild birds.
• Cook all meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any viruses.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect all knives, equipment and surfaces that come into contact with wild birds.
• If you have close contact with obviously sick or dead wild birds, or surfaces contaminated by them, monitor for these symptoms for 10 days after your last exposure:
  • Fever with temperature over 100 degrees Fahrenheit or chills. Fever may not always be present.
  • Sore throat.
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
  • Eye tearing, redness or irritation.
  • Runny or stuffy nose.
  • Muscle or body aches.

For more information about HPAI and human health, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services webpage for Communicable Disease Information and Resources or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for Avian Flu.

Protecting domestic animals from infection

HPAI has been found in Michigan commercial and backyard domestic poultry, as well as dairy cattle. Waterfowl hunters who care for domestic animals, including hunting dogs, cats and backyard poultry, should take the following precautions:

• Keep domestic animals away from wild birds, including dead waterfowl.
• Keep domestic animals away from hunting apparel and footwear that has come into contact with wild birds or their mucous, saliva or feces.
• Cook waterfowl meat to 165 degrees Fahrenheit before feeding it to other animals.
• Shower after hunting and before tending to domestic animals.
• Wash hands immediately before and after caring for animals.
• Do not share equipment or other supplies between premises.

Contact your veterinarian if you have any questions about the health of your animals or how to best protect them from disease.

For more information about HPAI in Michigan’s domestic animals, visit the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) webpage.

An accompanying photo is available below for download.

• Waterfowl hunting: A waterfowl hunter sets Canada goose decoys at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in Monroe County.