The Arizona Game and Fish Department is cautioning hunters and falconers to prevent the spread of the bird influenza as they go about their activities.
The agency issued safety guidelines for hunters this week to help identify waterfowl that might be sickened with bird flu, as well as how to protect themselves if they do come in contact with the illness.
Canada geese, eagles and raptors are susceptible to bird flu, according to Game and Fish. And the dabbling duck species carries the disease but only shows occasional signs of illness.
Safety recommendations include harvesting only those birds that look and act healthy, wearing gloves when field dressing, and cooking all game meat to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Anyone who trains and uses birds of prey to hunt wild game are urged to avoid areas where waterfowl congregate.
