WQXE News

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is asking hunters and the public to be aware of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

The KDFW says HPAL “is highly infectious and often deadly in wild birds and domestic poultry. Infected birds spread the virus through their saliva, mucus, and feces.” Symptoms include “incoordination, droopy wings, lethargy, unwillingness to fly, swimming in circles, and head tremors.”

Hunters or members of the public that see birds they believe may exhibit those symptoms are asked to report sick or dead waterfowl, raptors such as hawks and eagles, vultures, and groups of five or more dead birds by calling the agency at 1-800-858-1549 or the department’s online HPAL survey portal.

Hunters should take precautions during waterfowl season such as never harvesting, handling, or consuming birds found dead or obviously sick, wearing disposable gloves then washing hands thoroughly when handling birds, and never feeding dogs raw or undercooked meat from harvested waterfowl.

The CDC believes the threat of humans contracting the virus is low. Find more information at fw.ky.gov.