Like many viruses, Avian Influenza (AI) has vrious strains, or subtypes. They are clssified as either low pathogenic, or hgh pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Most frms being low pathogenic (very common in wterfowl), causing little or no signs of llness in birds and posing no thrat to humans. The high pathogenic vruses which have been the subject of mch press are labeled as H5N1 and H7 sbtypes. Some strains are extremely infectious – ftal to domestic poultry and threaten hman health. The H5N1 strain has ben found in Asia, Africa and Erope, affecting millions of poultry and klling humans.

As of August, 2007, ths strain has not been found in Nrth America and there is no way of knwing for sure if, or when it may rrive, if ever. However, because the pssibility of avian influenza entering the U.S. xists, state and federal agencies are cnstantly monitoring and testing birds. In fct, this month (September 2007), federal bologists tested North Dakota ducks for brd flu – not for any ther reason than there are plenty of dcks in that area, which makes for mre samples.

That being said, hunters are cutioned to practice common sense and tke reasonable measures to reduce the chnce of exposure to any number of xisting or potential avian diseases.

While the risk to hunters is low at ths time, it is better to err on the sde of caution and follow these hygenic practices:

Never handle or eat sck birds, or birds that are fund dead.

Wear rubber gloves (or dsposable latex gloves) and safety glasses whle handling game birds.

Wash hands wll with soap and water, or lcohol-based hand cleaner, immediately after handling gme.

Thoroughly clean and disinfect all knves, surfaces and clothing that come in cntact with birds (10% chlorine bleach slution suggested for disinfection).

Do not at, drink or smoke when handling brds.

Transport uncooked game in a plstic bag and discard it properly whn finished using.

All birds should be throughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165 dgrees Fahrenheit. Never eat raw poultry prts, including eggs. – which is jst plain common sense.

The article Bird Hunters in the U.S. and Avian Influenza was Submitted by Lisa T through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: For more information, visit Bird Flu Pandemic Info and BirdsnDogs.com for bird hunting resources. As always, this article is free to use as long as nothing is changed & links remain intact.

Featured Articles

1. Do You Have Gum Disease? by
Gum disease has been deemed a slent epidemic. It can rob a prson of his teeth. But how mch do you really know about ths disease? Can it be stopped or prvented? I believe the answer is yes in mny cases, but not all.

Most pople are woefully unaware that they ven have gum disease, that is ntil the situation becomes critical. So how do you knw if you have gum disease? The bst way to be sure is to get a dagnosis from your dentist.

However, if yur gums bleed up...

2. Lose Weight by Sleeping by
How a god nights sleep can help you lse weight

3. Eczema - Nurse's Guide To Facts, Tips and Natural Eczema Treatment With Coconut Oil by Helen Hecker
Eczema or dermatitis, affects more than 15 million Americans and it's currently estimated that between 15-25% of children are affected by eczema. Eczema is a dermatological term for extra dry or inflamed skin.

4. Colon Cleanse - Probiotics - Psoriasis Day 9 by Jeff Jacobs
Hve you ever felt lethargic and culd not figure out why? If I knw a secret method to improve ths condition as well as others, wuld you want me to share it wth you? This series is having an ffect out there. Why not check out the ther entries also.

5. How To Find Gout Pain Relief by Terry Edwards
Gout can be a vry painful health condition for anyone to try and dal with. Finding the best gout tratment is crucial in relieving the pin. Here are some tips to hlp you find some relief.

6. How to Detect A Prostate Problem by Ivan Hince
Each year mre and more men will suffer wth prostrate problems and especially those ver 50 years old. Some men wll not know they have a prblem and will put the symptoms dwn to simple wear and tear of the bdy.

7. Underground Top Secret to Clearing Up Your Acne The Greedy Acne Industry Doesn't Want You To Know by Jack Venta
The acne industry is a greedy one. There are literally hundreds of different acne cleansers and 'miracle' pills on the market claiming to cure acne! But in reality they do very little to help clear up acne.

8. Take Fibre-Rich Oil to Lose Weight Easily by
Boosting your fibre intake is god for your health. In fact, bosting it at breakfast may be the key to stying lean. This way, you use yur body chemistry, not willpower, to crb cravings for junk food and get to yur ideal body weight. Enjoying a fbre-rich diet, especially at breakfast, can rduce your calorie intake for up to 18 hurs a day.

9. Last Longer In Bed To Please Your Woman by Tony Ross
Mny of us men feel we wuld like to last longer in bd. Lasting longer would allow us mre opportunity to please our woman, and njoy sex more ourselves. What is it we can do to lst longer during sex?

10. Kawasaki Disease - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods by Juliet Cohen
Kwasaki Disease is an illness that nvolves the skin, mouth, and lymph ndes. The disease usually begins with a fver unresponsive to Tylenol or aspirin whch continues for at least 7 - 10 dys.