JACKSON — With turkey season underway, the Mississippi State Department of Health is advising hunters follow safety guidelines to protect themselves and others from catching the H5N1 bird flu.

 

Bird flu is a disease caused by avian influenza A viruses that usually spread between birds. Although the risk of people developing bird flu is low, there have been some human infections, mostly in those who had contact with infected birds or dairy cows.

 

Wild birds, which may or may not show symptoms of the virus, can carry it when migrating and pass it on to domestic birds. Hunters should avoid wild turkeys that appear to be sick and report any that are sick or dead to the Mississippi Board of Animal Health at 601-359-1170, 888-646-8731 or msstatevet@mdac.ms.gov.

 

Hunters and others who come into contact with wild birds and take some simple steps to protect both themselves and others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

 

Protect yourself when hunting:

— Do not handle wild birds or other animals that are obviously sick or found dead.

— While cleaning and handling game, do not eat, drink, or place anything in your mouth.

— Find other safety guidelines at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s website: www.fws.gov/avian-influenza

 

Protect yourself when dressing game birds:

— Dress game birds in the field and practice good hygiene to prevent potential disease spread.

— Do not use the same tools used to clean game birds around other poultry or pet birds.

— Wash and disinfect all tools and work surfaces afterwards.

— Wear gloves and an N95 respirator or well-fitting surgical mask and eye protection.

— Afterwards, throw away the gloves and facemask; wash your hands with soap and water.

 

For more safety tips, visit www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/risk-factors/hunters-and-bird-flu.html.