Bird Flu

Probably a good question on many people's mind! Not sure I have the answer. At least our game bird populations aren't in confinement housing like many poultry populations are. You have to wonder how it is moving around. Very likely it is travelling with migrant birds. It's a concern!!!!!
 
Is it common or is it a similar strain they were worried about a few years ago coming over from Asia with migrants. They were stomping all over the Tundra looking for dead birds a few summers ago.
 
I have no idea what the potential damage could be, but I have not found any damage so far. The pheasants came through the winter in great shape.
 
This article might give more information on avian flu:

http://gfp.sd.gov/wildlife/diseases/avian-influenza.aspx

I would guess that because waterfowl by the tens of thousands concentrate in limited water areas, and with that close contact the risk of bird flu would be greater for them.

On the other hand, upland game birds like pheasant or quail are not as numerous as waterfowl and are widely scattered over the vast prairie, I am guessing they should be safe.
 
From what I have read is that this strain kills its host within 48 hours. Which is a good thing for wild pheasants as they wouldn't be able to travel far spreading the virus. I know the pheasant farming industry here in SD is very concerned about it though.
 
By golly we covered this subject a couple of years ago. I'm ready. I have a hunters orange hazmat suit.
 
I did not attend the NSTRA trial that our region held in Dickinson, ND this past weekend. They had the Saturday trial but I saw on our region's web site that the Sunday trial was cancelled. I found out why. The ND Game & Fish confiscated the quail they were using for the trial. They were worried about the bird flu. We have another trial near Oakes, ND this coming weekend and I'm attempting to find out if there is going to be a problem there also. Haven't heard anything yet. Wonder if any other states have shut down any dog trials due to bird flu worries?
 
Dakotazeb said:
I did not attend the NSTRA trial that our region held in Dickinson, ND this past weekend. They had the Saturday trial but I saw on our region's web site that the Sunday trial was cancelled. I found out why. The ND Game & Fish confiscated the quail they were using for the trial. They were worried about the bird flu. We have another trial near Oakes, ND this coming weekend and I'm attempting to find out if there is going to be a problem there also. Haven't heard anything yet. Wonder if any other states have shut down any dog trials due to bird flu worries?
Click to expand...

Sounds a little ridiculous unless the quail came from an area known to be contaminated. Most places trials, NAVHDA, and other events where birds are released are not usually in great wild bird areas. Probably worried about hawks eating the released quail as they are not going to last long in the Dakotas!
 
I got the skinny. Apparently when they picked up the birds the owner was not there and they failed to get a "health certificate" from him. That's what caused the problem. Any other time it wouldn't be an issue but with this bird flu thing they are being overly cautious. Not going to effect this weekends trial as these birds are coming from a different place and will have a health certificate.
 
While walking the farm a few days ago along a pond shoreline I came across two dead Mallard drakes, looked fine and healthy, except dead. :confused:
I didn't touch them and called the dogs away. But on the other hand there were hundred or so
Mallards that flew off.
Eagles apparently carried the dead ducks off, gone the next day. I would worry about the raptors eating infected waterfowl?
 
mnmthunting said:
While walking the farm a few days ago along a pond shoreline I came across two dead Mallard drakes, looked fine and healthy, except dead. :confused:
I didn't touch them and called the dogs away. But on the other hand there were hundred or so
Mallards that flew off.
Eagles apparently carried the dead ducks off, gone the next day. I would worry about the raptors eating infected waterfowl?
Click to expand...

You should have called the state and had them examined.
 
mnmthunting said:
While walking the farm a few days ago along a pond shoreline I came across two dead Mallard drakes, looked fine and healthy, except dead. :confused:
I didn't touch them and called the dogs away. But on the other hand there were hundred or so
Mallards that flew off.
Eagles apparently carried the dead ducks off, gone the next day. I would worry about the raptors eating infected waterfowl?
Click to expand...

I just heard on the radio yesterday that a raptor tested + for bird flu. It was a Coopers Hawk. Sounds like it raised more questions than answers as those birds don't usually eat fowl. It was in St Leo, MN.

Found the article: http://www.startribune.com/business/301842401.html
 
Our NAVHDA club has tests scheduled later this month, so I emailed appropriate parties re potential bird flu issues. They contacted GF&P Sioux Falls and the bird provider and as long a scertification etc. in place no problem.
 
Is a NAVHA test something a person could come and watch? I might be interested in something like that--once went to a retriever trial and enjoyed that---so :D
 
SDJIM said:
Is a NAVHA test something a person could come and watch? I might be interested in something like that--once went to a retriever trial and enjoyed that---so :D
Click to expand...

More than welcome.The Midwest Tri-State Club will have tests May 27,28 and 29. The Friday and Sat. tests are Natural Ability, for dogs under 16 months old. It is difficult to see the field work unless you get permission from the handler and Judge to walk along. No bird shooting at this level. The birds flyoff unless the dog catches the bird. NAVHDA is all pointing breeds and the search, point, and use of nose is what they are looking for. A simple water retrieve and tougher tracking (live rooster) are also required.
The Utility test is Sunday and is much more difficult as the water work is extensive and the dog is required to heel, be steady to shot and fall , stand by blind while gun shot etc. More retrieving also.
You will see many different breeds and some very dedicated hunters who are willing to answer any questions. Free except for lunch donation!
 
I live just outside of Minneapolis. The other day I found a dead hen mallard in the park where I train my dog. No obvious cause of death.

I called the MNDNR. Got a call back about 5 hours later. He said they were only interested in dead turkeys in the central/west portion of the state.

So there you go...
 
tis the season

well bird flues are very hard to get rid of once caught, i read on an article that a new bird flew was spreading, anyone know anything about that? I forgot the link where i read it. :cheers:
 
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