Probably not yet…but be vigilant.

Tempe

***********************

Tempe Regan
(she/her)

Regional Wildlife Diversity Biologist

Idaho Department of Fish and Game

99 US-93

Salmon, ID 83467

Office: 208.756.2271

Mobile: 406.396.4856

If you happen to recover a sick or strange acting bird please be careful. Do not handle without gloves and wear a mask. I know most of you are not field biologists
but as avid birders you may be the first to detect this in Idaho (I really hope not). This can jump to humans and it can be deadly. I excerpted the piece from the email about handling protocols.

Field biologists should consider these minimum precautions when handling sick or dead birds associated with a morbidity/mortality event: 

• Wear protective clothing including aprons, coveralls, rubber boots, gloves (rubber, latex, or nitrile), eye protection, and face shields that can be disinfected or discarded to prevent skin and mucous membrane contact with biological
  materials and movement of biological materials among sites. 
• Work in well-ventilated areas or upwind of animals to decrease the risk of inhaling airborne particulate matter such as dust, feathers, or dander. 
• Wash hands often and thoroughly for at least 30 seconds with soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling animals. 
• Decontaminate work areas and properly dispose of potentially infectious material including carcasses. The primary goal of carcass disposal (e.g., incineration, composting, certified landfilling) is to prevent the spread of infectious
  agent. 
• Your agency may also have policies regarding the use of particulate respirators (N-95) while handling sick and dead wildlife. 

Something to keep your eyes open for…now detected in the Atlantic Flyway and Canada…See attached.

Tempe