February 26, 2008
Public Asked to Assist Bird Monitoring Efforts
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is requesting the public's assistance this spring in reporting ill or dead wetland birds (ducks, geese or shorebirds) or raptors (hawks, owls or eagles).
The department, in coordination with other state and federal agencies, is conducting surveillance for the early detection of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus (also known as "bird flu") in the United States. Although this strain of avian influenza has not yet been detected in the Western Hemisphere, the department is monitoring waterfowl populations to ensure it is prepared to respond if avian influenza, or any other significant avian disease, is detected in Arizona.
The spring surveys consist of monitoring various lakes throughout the state, to inspect them for sick and dead birds. During the fall season, testing focuses on hunter-harvested birds.
If you see ill or dead wetland birds or raptors while you are visiting any lake in Arizona this spring, please assist the monitoring program and report your observations by calling the toll-free bird monitoring hotline number at 1-877-97-AVIAN (1-877-972-8426) or by filling out a form online. For more information regarding avian influenza, visit www.azgfd.gov/ai. Guidelines for anyone handling birds birds or other wildlife, see this National Wildlife Health Center.
The pandemic of 1918-19 that killed nearly 700,000 in the US was a bird flu that mutated. Are you interested in Arizona's plans to cope with such an outbreak? Go to this Arizona Department of Health Services webpage. What about other states? The look here at Pandemicflu.gov.