State asks for public’s help in monitoring birds

Submitted to the Herald/Review
Published/Last Modified on Sunday, Mar 02, 2008 - 06:15:50 am MST

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is requesting the public’s assistance this spring in reporting ill or dead wetland birds or raptors.

Wetland birds are ducks, geese or shorebirds. Raptors are hawks, owls and eagles.

The department, in coordination with other state and federal agencies, is conducting surveillance for the early detection of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus (also known as “bird flu”) in the United States. Although this strain of avian influenza has not yet been detected in the Western Hemisphere, the department is monitoring waterfowl populations to ensure it is prepared to respond if avian influenza, or any other significant avian disease, is detected in Arizona.

The spring surveys consist of monitoring various lakes throughout the state, to inspect them for sick and dead birds. During the fall season, testing focuses on hunter-harvested birds.

If you see ill or dead wetland birds or raptors while you are visiting any lake in Arizona this spring, please report your observations by calling the toll-free bird monitoring hotline number at 1-877-97-AVIAN (1-877-972-8426) or by logging onto www.azgfd.gov/ai and filling out the online form.

For information regarding avian influenza, visit www.azgfd.gov/ai.

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Kathleen wrote on Mar 5, 2008 3:46 PM:

" It is great to know we are being proactive and looking ahead to prevent West Nile and Avian Influenza. These two diseases receive a lot of attention and research. What the public doesn't hear about are the 60 other potentially fatal diseases that birds can pass on to humans. Yes, 60! If there is an overpopulation of birds near your home, or business, it would be wise to invest in an environmentally friendly and humane bird deterrent product. Check out bird-x for options. "