File photo by Michigan Department of Natural Resources Point Mouille State Game Area waterfowl youth hunt.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials are reminding waterfowl hunters to take precautions to protect themselves and domestic animals from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, according to a press release on Nov. 21.

According to the release, this fall, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has reported outbreaks of HPAI in commercial and backyard poultry flocks, including new detections in counties with popular waterfowl hunting destinations.

The DNR has reported more HPAI detections in 2025 than were found in 2024. In total, 130 wild birds have tested positive for HPAI in Michigan, with most detections in Canada geese, bald eagles, and red-tailed hawks. Wildlife detections and pending cases are posted at michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/wildlife/wildlife-disease.

According to the DNR, the disease has been found in every Michigan watershed, indicating that it has occurred throughout the state. HPAI has been detected in surrounding states and other parts of the county as well. Hunters traveling out of state are advised to follow all health and safety precautions regardless of where they are hunting. For more information about national detections and response, visit the USDA H5N1 Influenza webpage aphis.usda.gov/h5n1-hpai.

“Make sure to take appropriate precautions when field dressing wild birds. In order to kill the virus, use a food thermometer to ensure that meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit,” Dr. Scott Larsen, DNR wildlife veterinarian, said in the release. “It’s also important to properly clean and disinfect gear and equipment before coming into contact with domestic birds.”

According to the release, HPAI is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes sickness and sometimes death in wild birds and mammals. HPAI infections can occur at any time of the year, but upticks are expected during spring and fall waterfowl migrations. Wild birds can carry HPAI without appearing sick.

The DNR states that anyone who observes a die-off of six or more wild birds should report it through at a local DNR field office.

Precautions for waterfowl hunters

The risk of HPAI infecting people is low, but the virus can spread through direct contact with infected animals or material, according to the DNR. The DNR suggests taking the following precautions:

— Do not harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.

— Process wild birds in the field. Remains from processed birds should be buried on-site or double-bagged and disposed of with household trash.

— Wear rubber or disposable gloves while handling and cleaning wild birds, and wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleanser, even if hands are not visibly soiled.

— Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when handling wild birds.

— Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or cleaning wild birds.

— Cook all meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any viruses.

— Thoroughly clean and disinfect all knives, equipment, and surfaces that come into contact with wild birds.

Protecting domestic animals from infection

According to the release, HPAI has been found in Michigan commercial and backyard domestic poultry, as well as dairy cattle. Waterfowl hunters who care for domestic animals — including hunting dogs, cats, and backyard poultry — should take the following precautions:

— Keep domestic animals away from wild birds, including dead waterfowl.

— Keep domestic animals away from hunting apparel and footwear that has come into contact with wild birds or their mucus, saliva, or feces.

— Cook waterfowl meat to 165 degrees Fahrenheit before feeding it to other animals.

— Shower after hunting and before tending to domestic animals.

— Wash hands immediately before and after caring for animals.

— Do not share equipment or other supplies between premises.

The DNR suggests Michigan residents contact their veterinarian if they have any questions about the health of their animals or how to best protect them from disease.