West Nile and Waterfowl

To date, specimens of the following game birds have been reported positive for WN virus: sandhill cranes, mourning doves, mallards, wood ducks, Canada geese, ruffed grouse, wild turkeys, and ring-necked pheasants. However, based on studies conducted since the virus first appeared in North America, scientists believe wild waterfowl may be immune to the WN virus.

The infected birds were all domestic waterfowl living on park ponds, zoos and in urban settings.

Hunters should follow the usual precautions when handling wild animals, and if you expect to encounter mosquitoes in the field, wear long pants, long-sleeves, and mosquito repellant. Here are a few more recommended precautions that should minimize any possible risk:

• Do not harvest or handle sick game birds.
• When cleaning game or handling live or dead birds, use gloves in order to prevent blood-to-blood contact
• Cook game birds until well done
• Soak any utensils used to prepare game birds in a solution of one part household bleach and 10 parts water for 20 minutes.
• Most importantly, hunters should avoid mosquitoes as they are the most likely means of acquiring West Nile virus.
• At home, look for stagnant water in bird-baths, plant trays, old tires, wheelbarrows, and other containers around your yard. If you find standing water, pour it out, and be diligent about re-checking these areas at least once a week.

Most people [around 80 percent] who are infected by WN virus show no recognizable symptoms. Of the 20 percent who do show recognizable illness, the symptoms are typically mild, including "flu-like" symptoms, nausea, a mild rash, or fatigue.

Source: Ducks Unlimited