WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN OBSERVING SICK OR DEAD BIRDS?
The Maryland DNR and its partner agencies will investigate reports of sick or dead wild birds to rapidly diagnose the cause of any suspected disease outbreak. Keep in mind other diseases of waterfowl routinely kill hundreds and sometimes thousands of migratory birds every year. If you find a group of dead wild birds (5 or more), particularly ducks, geese, swans and shorebirds do not pick them up. Instead, call USDA Wildlife Services, Annapolis 1-877-463-6497 (M-F 8-4:30). If you do inadvertently have contact with sick or dead wildlife, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, taking care to avoid rubbing your eyes, eating, drinking or smoking before washing. If hands are not visibly soiled, alcohol-based hand cleaning products may be used. WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD HUNTERS TAKE WHILE WATERFOWL HUNTING There is no indication that the Asian virus exists in North American wild birds, and therefore no reason to believe there is elevated risk at this time. Hunters should not be overly
