WHAT IS BEING DONE TO MONITOR AI IN MARYLAND?
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR) has been working closely with federal, state and local partners, including USDA, National Wildlife Health Center, USGS/ National Wildlife Refuges, National Parks Service, University of MD, Ohio State University, MDA, DHMH and local wildlife rehabilitators) to conduct active and targeted surveillance for AI in wild birds since June 2005 and will continue to expand monitoring efforts. Our collective efforts will combine with national and international efforts in monitoring wild bird populations to protect domestic animals and public health. • WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN HANDLING WILD BIRDS AND CARCASSES? Avian Influenza poses no risk to bird watchers. Persons handling live wild birds should take normal precautions such as washing hands and cleaning capture and banding equipment. As with all advisories for consumption of wild game meat, hunters are advised not to consume meat from animals known to be ill or have visible lesio
