The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is issuing a warning to hunters and residents, highlighting the need for heightened precautions in light of a rise in cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) among various bird populations in the Southeast, as reported cases continue to surge among wild birds, backyard domestic flocks, and commercial poultry flocks. The disease is notably contagious among birds and poses a significant threat to domestic fowl populations.
According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the Mississippi Flyway has been particularly afflicted, with Jamie Feddersen, the Migratory Gamebird Coordinator for the agency, stating that "Numerous states in the Mississippi Flyway are reporting HPAI detections that are leading to dead and dying birds, mainly snow geese", Tennessee is not exempt from this plight, experiencing confirmed cases of the virus in ducks and geese which places hunters in direct contact with affected wildlife, Feddersen advised hunters to follow safety precautions when handling these birds to mitigate risk.
Moreover, TWRA Wildlife and Forestry Chief Joe Benedict emphasized the prevalence of HPAI in Tennessee's wild bird population, including ducks, Canada geese, vultures, and a Bald Eagle, since March of the previous year; he underscored the importance of homeowners and hunters taking proactive steps to curb the spread of the disease, thereby protecting wildlife as well as poultry populations.
Measures recommended for homeowners are critical in mitigating the spread of HPAI; these include halting bird feeding and covering bird baths in the presence of dead birds, cleaning up excess feed and sanitizing feeders and baths with a bleach solution, avoiding direct contact with dead or dying birds—and in instances where contact is inevitable, homeowners should wash thoroughly and change clothing before any engagement with healthy avian species, dead or dying bird sightings should be promptly reported to TWRA via their website, aiding in early disease detection and bird health monitoring.
The USDA continues to monitor and manage incidences of the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets, and migratory wild bird populations. TWRA collaborates with this federal agency, submitting test results from wild birds and coordinating with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to address and manage the avian influenza outbreak efficiently. Vigilance and adherence to the prescribed precautions remain key in combating the spread of HPAI, safeguarding the state's cherished and diverse bird species.
