Bird Flu:
Be Prepared, Not Scared

The latest news and information about pandemic flu is only a click away at www.avianflu.alaska.gov or www.pandemicflu.alaska.gov.


For more information about what you can do to plan for a possible flu pandemic or another health emergency, please call 1-888-9-PANFLU (1-888-972-6358).

The following information is provided by the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game:

What YOU should know about BIRD FLU
  • It is okay to hunt and eat wild birds
  • "Bird flu" rarely infects people; it is a bird sickness that kills birds
  • The Asian H5N1 strain of bird flu has not been found anywhere in Alaska or North America
  • Do not go near or touch sick or dead birds
  • Call 1-866-5 BRD FLU (1-866-527-3358) or your local ADF&G office to report sick or dead birds
Take care when cleaning and cooking birds & eggs
      
Because birds can carry many kinds of germs, please:
  • Use rubber gloves when you clean birds or gather eggs
  • Do not eat, drink or smoke when you clean birds
  • Keep your hands away from your face and mouth when you handle birds or eggs
  • Wash your hands with soap and water after you touch birds or gather eggs
  • Wash your knife, and work area with soap and water after you clean or cook birds
  • Cook birds and eggs until done all the way through (no pink meat, cook until juices run clear)
  • Do not eat smoke birds unless heated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit
Stay informed!
The news about Bird Flu is constantly changing. Find current information from the State of Alaska on the web at:  www.avianflu.alaska.gov.