Avian influenza detected at Minidoka

Avian influenza was detected in live waterfowl by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) during routine sampling on Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge. Avian influenza is found throughout North America – there are 144 different strains of the virus, some are more easily transmissible than others. If you observe any waterfowl that appear to be sick or dead, please do not approach.

General Safety Guidelines for Hunters:

• Do not handle or eat sick game.
• Field dress and prepare game outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• Wear rubber or disposable nitrile gloves while handling and cleaning game.
• When done handling game, wash hands thoroughly with soap or disinfectant, and clean knives, equipment and surfaces that came in contact with game.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling animals.
• All game should be thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. before being consumed.
  
   

For more information you can visit these websites:

• Wildlife Health – Avian Influenza Idaho Fish and Game Department
• Avian Influenza | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)
• USDA APHIS | 2022-2023 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza