Where & when has it occurred in the past and how did other countries deal with it?

Nowhere in the world has HPAI required a total cancellation of hunting seasons. There have been instances where game bird hunting seasons were altered, delayed, due to outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Here are a few examples:

1. United Kingdom – Wildfowl Hunting (2022-2023)

In late 2022 and early 2023, the United Kingdom imposed restrictions on wildfowl hunting in response to one of the worst HPAI outbreaks in the country. The government declared Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZs), which resulted in restrictions on hunting activities in specific areas to prevent the spread of the disease. The restrictions were particularly focused on regions where large populations of waterfowl and game birds were present and where the virus was detected. In some areas, game bird hunting was temporarily suspended.

2. France – Wildfowl Hunting Restrictions (2022)

In 2022, France had similar restrictions in certain regions due to avian flu outbreaks. Hunting of game birds, particularly waterfowl, was banned or heavily restricted in zones where avian flu had been confirmed. This led to the cancellation of parts of the season in regions where wild bird populations were most affected.

3. United States – Hunting and Avian Flu Monitoring (2022-2023)

Although there was no national-level cancellation, some states in the U.S. closely monitored the situation and issued advisories. For example, in Minnesota and Wisconsin, states with significant waterfowl populations, wildlife agencies closely monitored migratory bird populations during the 2022-2023 season. In some cases, public hunting areas were temporarily closed when high concentrations of infected birds were found, effectively halting hunting in those zones for parts of the season.

4. Canada – Hunting Adjustments (2022)

In Canada, particularly in the prairie provinces (Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan), HPAI outbreaks led to localized adjustments in hunting regulations in 2022. While the seasons were not fully cancelled, there were delays and temporary closures in high-risk areas to prevent the spread of the virus among wild waterfowl and to domestic poultry.

5. European Union – Various Measures (2022-2023)

Throughout Europe, including countries like the Netherlands and Germany, game bird seasons were either partially suspended or restricted in regions with active avian flu outbreaks. These were generally short-term suspensions, focusing on waterfowl species known to carry the virus. Measures were often taken in line with biosecurity practices and disease containment strategies.

While total season cancellations are rare, particularly because hunting plays a key role in managing populations, there have been temporary suspensions and regional closures due to HPAI in several parts of the world. In most cases, hunting authorities focus on region-specific closures rather than blanket cancellations, adapting as the situation develops.

 What are the signs of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza?

• HPAI symptoms in wild birds can include: nervousness, tremors or lack of coordination, swelling around the head, neck and eyes, lack of energy or movement, coughing, gasping for air or sneezing, diarrhea, or sudden death. However, wild birds, particularly waterfowl, infected with HPAI may be asymptomatic.

Are there risks to humans from HPAI?

• The risk of catching avian flu from wild birds is very low; however, hunters and people who prepare and cook wild birds are encouraged to follow safe food handling practices, as outlined via government health agencies.

• Avian flu does not pose a food safety risk when wild or domestic poultry products are handled and cooked properly.

 How can our Australian hunters help?

• Report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State or Territory WHA Coordinator.
• Avian influenza is a nationally notifiable disease. Anyone who suspects an animal might be infected with avian influenza has a legal responsibility to report it to their jurisdiction’s biosecurity agency by phoning the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. See: https://www.outbreak.gov.au/report-outbreak. Unusual signs of disease or deaths in wildlife can also be reported to the State or Territory WHA Coordinator. The advice in this document is focussed on the increased risk to Australia from HPAI H5 2.3.4.4b. Other strains of HPAI have not caused such widespread disease in wild birds and mammals, but the general principles within these documents can be applied to other HPAI strains, while also considering and adjusting for any known differences in epidemiology.
• Wildlife managers should contact the government authorities in their jurisdiction to clarify legal responsibilities or refer to the AUSVETPLAN documents and the Emergency Wildlife Disease Response Guidelines for relevant legislation.

Are there risks to my dog from HPAI? (The American experience)

• HPAI has been confirmed to cause illness and mortality in multiple species of mammals, including wild canids such as foxes. Data from a 2022–23, Ducks Unlimited-funded study of waterfowl hunting dogs in Washington state found evidence of HPAI antibodies in only 2% of sampled dogs. As of September 2024, there has been only 1 confirmed case of a domestic dog dying from HPAI infection in North America. Nevertheless, as a matter of caution, it is recommended that dogs not be allowed to retrieve or come in contact with birds that appear sick or have been found dead. Hunters should also not feed their dogs raw meat from harvested birds nor allow them to be exposed to discarded carcasses or entrails.

How is Field & Game Australia responding to HPAI?

• We recognize that HPAI is a major concern to the domestic poultry industry but at present is considered a low-risk human health concern.
• FGA will continue its long-term support of sampling both live and harvested birds for avian influenza studies
• Since 2016 FGA has assisted in the collection of over six hundred and seventy live samples and over a thousand harvested bird samples for studies from multiple states and territories.

• We will continue monitor avian flu developments from Wildlife Health Australia and have consulted with several organisations around the world.

• We will direct all queries to the lead government agencies.

• We join many other organizations world-wide to strongly oppose the culling of wild birds and the draining of wetlands as a means of controlling avian flu. 
• We advocate for hunters to report findings from within the field and ensure that all biosecurity measures, guidelines and measures are followed responsibly.
• We will keep our members informed of updates as more information comes to hand.
• We will work with all relevant authorities to ensure that there is not an over precautionary approach.
• FGA believe that hunters can be a part of the research and an integral part of the solution to proper management.  
• It is expected that other countries have dealt with management and containment around the world and their policies and procedures will offer solutions that are applicable in Australia.    

A couple of useful resources to gain further knowledge.

High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Wildlife in Australia

Avian influenza in wild birds in Australia