Wildlife department urging hunters to be cautious with avian flu outbreak [Video]

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is urging hunters, faloners and others who encounter wild and domestic birds to be cautious with the outbreaks of avian flu across the country.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the bird flu, called HPAI, is highly “pathogenic” and cases of the illness have been found in birds in numerous locations in both the United States and Canada.

According to the CDC, outbreaks have been found in birds and cattle. Recently cases of the illness have been found in people who work in the dairy and poultry industries.

AZGFD said infected birds may behave abnormally. Some of these abnormal behaviors include swimming in circles, stumbling or being unable to fly.

AZGFD said these guidelines should be followed by hunters: