LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Wildlife officials are advising waterfowl hunters to take precautions against contact with avian flu, and also to be careful in water where harmful algal blooms (HABs) might be present.

The problems have surfaced this week in separate locations, but all hunters should be careful to protect their dogs and themselves.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) provided guidance for hunters in a Friday news release.

Highly pathogenic avian flu (HPAI)

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected at Key Pettman Wildlife Management Area and Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. Both are north of Las Vegas along U.S. 93. Confirmation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is pending.

Avian influenza outbreak reported at 2 wildlife areas near Las Vegas

HPAI is a naturally occurring virus that poses low risk for human infection, it was first identified in Nevada’s wild bird populations in July 2022 and typically circulates in wild waterfowl populations without any signs of illness and low mortality rates.

Though the current strain of the virus appears to pose a low risk for human infection, hunters should keep the following tips in mind to keep themselves and their dogs safe while in the field:

• Only handle and consume birds you harvested and that appear and act healthy.
• Do not handle, consume, or bring home any birds that appear sick or were found dead.
• Wear gloves and eye protection when cleaning birds and do so in a well-ventilated area.
• Remove intestines and discard soon after harvesting and avoid direct contact with them.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling carcasses.
• Wash hands after handling game and clean equipment.
• Cook all game to an internal temperature of 165F before consuming.
• Do not let your dog come into contact with sick birds or dead birds that you have not harvested.
• Do not let your dog consume raw meat including from waterfowl.
• If your dog becomes ill, seek veterinary care and mention that you have been hunting with your dog.

More information about avian influenza can be found online at https://www.ndow.org/blog/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai/#.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs)

NDOW is warning hunters to check for current HAB advisories wherever they choose to hunt. For information on HAB watches, warnings and danger updates, see the state’s dashboard here. If no advisory exists, hunters can look for indicators such as water that looks like paint or pea soup, a thick surface layer resembling foam or scum, or a foul or musty odor.

While it may require hunters to make a tough destination choice, they should take the necessary steps to keep their dogs out of water where they have reason to believe a HAB exists. Cyanobacteria produced by these blooms are highly toxic to dogs and can be fatal within minutes to hours of exposure.

Avoid areas of algae accumulation, and do not let your dog eat dried algae or drink the water. Dogs can also be exposed to toxins by skin contact with contaminated water or by licking water from their fur.

Hunters or anglers who suspect the presence of a HAB should avoid contact with the water or scum. Waterfowl and fish taken from that location should be cleaned with fresh water and their entrails properly discarded. Outdoor enthusiasts should wash well with clean potable water afterward.

A new HAB Watch went into effect on Wednesday at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge near Fallon, specifically at Nutgrass Lake. Four other Northern Nevada sites have had HAB Watches over the summer months, and Lahontan Reservoir had a HAB Warning in early June.

In Southern Nevada, HAB Danger conditions were announced in late August along Lake Mohave within Lake Mead National Recreation Area.