Missouri Department of Conservation issues wildlife disease alerts

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has issued advisories regarding two distinct wildlife health concerns: avian influenza and hemorrhagic disease.

As fall waterfowl migration begins, the MDC is urging the public to monitor for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or “bird flu,” in wild birds. While Missouri is not currently experiencing a major outbreak, the agency is tracking positive cases and requests reports of sick or dead waterfowl, raptors, and other large birds. To prevent spreading the virus, hunters are advised to dress game birds away from poultry, dispose of carcasses properly in sealed bags, and allow gear to dry completely between trips.

Additionally, the MDC is seeking reports of hemorrhagic disease (HD) in deer. HD, which includes epizootic hemorrhagic disease and bluetongue, is spread by midges. Symptoms in deer include difficulty breathing, swelling of the head or neck, and unusual behavior. While the disease can cause rapid death, officials note it does not pose a long-term threat to the sustainability of the state's deer population.