The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is urging new 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.
Hunters who handle wild birds should dress game birds in the field when possible and remains should be buried where the animal was harvested. All hunting gear, clothing and boots should be cleaned as soon as possible to prevent contamination.
Homeowners who find dead or dying birds should stop feeding the birds and cover bird baths until this wildlife mortality event subsides. Dead birds should be buried while avoiding direct contact. Clean shovels and other tools with a 10 percent bleach solution.
Report dead or dying bird sightings to TWRA at https://www.tn.gov/twra/sick-birds.html.