Displaying items by tag: how to control bird flu

Even small backyard flocks, such as the one seen here in South Knox County, are susceptible to fatal avian influenza. The state of Tennessee issued guidelines and warnings as the number of bird flu outbreaks soars.  Thomas Fraser/Hellbender Press

If you have birdfeeders at home, remove any dead birds you may encounter and stop feeding; minimize any poultry/wildlife interactions

Lee Wilmot is a TWRA information specialist. This story will be updated. 

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is reminding hunters to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions as reported cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) increase among wild birds, backyard domestic flocks and commercial poultry flocks in the Southeast.  HPAI is highly contagious among bird populations and is known to be deadly for domestic fowl.

(California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Dec. 18 declared a state of emergency in California as cases in that state jump dramatically).

“Numerous states in the Mississippi Flyway are reporting HPAI detections that are leading to dead and dying birds, mainly snow geese,” said Jamie Feddersen, TWRA Migratory Gamebird Coordinator. “Tennessee is also finding ducks and geese with HPAI. Hunters should follow safety precautions when handling these birds.”

“Since March 2022, Tennessee has confirmed numerous cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in wild birds, including ducks, Canada geese, vultures and a Bald Eagle,” said TWRA Wildlife and Forestry Chief Joe Benedict. “We urge homeowners and hunters to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease in Tennessee and to protect wildlife and poultry populations.”