Avian Health & Disease
Wild birds can carry many types of disease agents, including influenza viruses. Since 2006, the Department of Interior has sampled birds across Alaska for the highly pathogenic influenza virus, H5N1.
There are periodic outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in North America, most recently a large-scale outbreak began in 2022.
The risk of transmitting avian diseases to humans is low. However, we want to ensure that people remember to handle birds safely.
STAY AWARE!
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Links To Recommended Resources:
Native American Fish & Wildlife Society:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service:
State Of Alaska Department Of Health
What are the handling precautions for wild birds?
We should always practice good handling procedures while hunting or gathering eggs. To avoid possible exposure to disease agents (viruses, bacteria, etc.) follow the guidelines below:
Use clean hunting habits, wash eggs, and cook the foods you get from birds.
Don’t handle birds that appear sick or you find dead.
Don’t eat, drink or smoke while cleaning birds.
Wash your hands with soap & water, alcohol wipes, or gel after cleaning.
Clean all tools and surfaces with hot soapy water first, then disinfect using water mixed with 10% chlorine bleach.
Keep dead birds cool, clean and dry.
Cook your eggs and birds thoroughly (165°F) or until body juices run clear
Seabird Die-Off Info & Resources:
Alaska 2021 Seabird Die-Off Fact Sheet:
NOAA In The Arctic:
Notice Sick or Dying Wild Birds? Contact Us:
Rural subsistence users would likely be the first to notice sick or dying wild birds, so please help our bird disease monitoring effort by calling toll-free: 1-866-5BRDFLU (1-866-527-3358).
Be prepared to report the location, species of birds involved, and date and time found. Again, for your safety, do not handle any sick birds or those found dead.
Find More Migratory Bird Research Publications & Resources Here:
State-Wide Public Meetings
Attend our public meetings to be be in-the-know of regulatory & non-regulatory matters.
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The annual statewide Spring meeting allows Council members the opportunity to consider and take action on any proposed migratory bird regulatory proposals that have been submitted during the open proposal period (November 1-December 15 annually).
Other business during this meeting may include the sharing of time-sensitive information relevant to the upcoming spring-summer harvest season for that year.
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The annual statewide Fall meeting focuses on sharing new information and environmental observations from the Native Caucus, hearing technical reports on migratory bird research from the partner organizations, discussing any ideas for new regulations or amendments to existing regulations, and learning the latest results from the summer aerial and ground-based population surveys.
Reference Library
Stay updated & informed with Past State-Wide Public Meeting Transcripts, Treaties, & Historical Documents that affect Alaskan Migratory Bird Subsistence, Native Handicraft Regs, & more.
Do The Regulations Affect You?
Our Overview Page offers summaries of:
What the Reg Book is for.
Legislative History.
Definitions.
Use & Possession.
Eligibility.
Special Requirements.
& Required Licensing or Stamps.
