CDFW Newshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/NewsAvian Influenza Returns this Fall with Migratory Birdshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/avian-influenza-returns-this-fall-with-migratory-birdsWaterfowlThu, 14 Dec 2023 09:11:24 GMTWildlife disease specialists have confirmed the re-occurrence of the Eurasian strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in California wild birds.<p>Wildlife disease specialists have confirmed the re-occurrence of the Eurasian strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in California wild birds.</p> <p>In late October, Canada geese were found dead in Sacramento County and submitted to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Wildlife Health Laboratory for testing. Preliminary testing was performed at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory in Davis.</p> <p>The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the detection of HPAI H5N1 in two Canada geese in early November. Subsequent detections have been made in wild birds in several additional counties during mortality surveillance including from Contra Costa, San Diego, Santa Clara, Solano and Yolo. Detections in waterfowl during hunter-harvest surveillance have been reported from Fresno, Glenn, Kern and Yolo counties. Prior to these detections, the last confirmed detection in wild birds occurred in June 2023.</p> <p>This strain of Eurasian HPAI H5N1 has been circulating in the United States and Canada since the winter of 2021-22, arriving in California in mid-July 2022. In total, 354 confirmed detections of the virus were made in wild birds collected from 44 California counties during mortality surveillance conducted between July 2022 and June 2023. Detections of the virus appeared to subside during spring and summer in California, as well as more broadly in the United States. Now, as waterfowl and other waterbirds are undertaking fall migration, cases again are on the rise.</p> <p>Avian influenza spreads through direct bird-to-bird contact and may also spread to birds through contaminated surfaces including hands, shoes, clothing and hunting gear. While the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/prevention.htm#Protective-actions-wild-birds" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control</a> considers the transmission risk of avian influenza to people to be low, residents and waterfowl hunters are advised to take precautions to protect themselves, hunting dogs, falconry birds, poultry and pet birds.</p> <p>Steps that may help reduce the spread of HPAI:</p> <ul> <li>Report dead wild birds, and other wildlife, to CDFW using the <a href="/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report">mortality reporting form</a>. While it is not possible to test every wild bird for HPAI, all mortality reports are important and help disease specialists monitor the outbreak.</li> <li>Report sick and dead poultry to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) hotline at 1 (866) 922-2473.</li> <li>Prevent contact between domestic birds and wild birds, especially waterfowl. Exclude wild birds from accessing chicken or other domestic bird feed and water.</li> <li>Do not feed waterfowl or other waterbirds at park ponds as it may increase the congregation of birds and contribute to disease spread.</li> <li>Do not bring potentially sick wild birds home or move sick birds to another location.</li> <li>Before transporting potentially sick wild birds to wildlife rehabilitation centers, veterinary clinics, or other animal facilities, contact the facility for guidance and to determine if the bird should be collected.</li> <li>If recreating outdoors in areas with large concentrations of waterfowl and other waterbirds, wash clothing and disinfect footwear and equipment before traveling to other areas or interacting with domestic birds.</li> <li>Where it can be done so safely, consider disposing of dead birds to help reduce exposure to new birds and minimize scavenging by birds and mammals that also may be susceptible to infection. Dead birds may be collected into a plastic bag and placed in the regular trash collection.</li> </ul> <p>Additional safety recommendations for waterfowl hunters:</p> <ul> <li>Harvest only waterfowl that look and behave healthy. Do not handle or eat sick game. Do not handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.</li> <li>Field dress and prepare game outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Do not dress wild game in the vicinity of poultry or pet birds.</li> <li>Wear rubber gloves or other impermeable disposable gloves while handling and cleaning game.</li> <li>Remove and discard intestines soon after harvesting and avoid direct contact with intestinal contents. Place waste in a plastic bag and dispose in a garbage container that is protected from scavengers.</li> <li>Do not eat, drink, smoke or vape while handling dead game.</li> <li>When done handling game, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable), and clean knives, equipment and surfaces that came in contact with game. Wash hands before and after handling any meat.</li> <li>Keep harvested waterfowl cool (either with ice or refrigeration), below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, until processed, and then refrigerate or freeze.</li> <li>Thoroughly cook all game to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming.</li> <li>Clean and disinfect clothing, footwear and hunting gear before traveling to other areas. As appropriate, footwear and gear may be washed with soap and water, then disinfected in household bleach diluted 1:10 with water for at least 10 minutes.</li> <li>Bathe hunting dogs with pet shampoo after hunting, and do not feed dogs raw meat, organs or other tissues from harvested waterfowl.</li> <li>Falconers should avoid hunting waterfowl, and other waterbirds, during the HPAI outbreak.</li> </ul> <p>For more information on HPAI H5N1, check out CDFW’s <a href="/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring#556711154-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza">informational flyer</a> addressing frequently asked questions and links to additional resources. The USDA maintains the official list of HPAI H5N1 detections on its <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai" target="_blank">website</a>. For guidance on keeping domestic birds healthy, please visit the <a href="https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/BioSpecies/BioPoultry.html" target="_blank">CDFA</a> and <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/defend-the-flock-program" target="_blank">USDA</a> websites.</p> <p>For guidance on orphaned or injured live wild birds, please contact your nearest <a href="/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Rehab/Facilities">wildlife rehabilitation center</a> prior to collecting the animal. Be advised that some wildlife rehabilitation centers may have restrictions on the wildlife species they will admit.</p> <p><em>###</em></p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@wildlife.ca.gov%3e">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858<br /> <a href="mailto:Krysta.Rogers@wildlife.ca.gov">Krysta Rogers</a>, CDFW Wildlife Health Lab, (916) 531-7647</em></p> CDFW Offering Waterfowl Hunts at East Bay Ecological Reservehttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-offering-waterfowl-hunts-at-east-bay-ecological-reserve2WaterfowlWed, 13 Sep 2023 14:29:11 GMTHunters can soon participate in no-fee waterfowl hunts amid restored salt ponds at Congressman Pete Stark Ecological Reserve at Eden Landing (formerly Eden Landing Ecological Reserve) in Hayward<p>Hunters can soon participate in no-fee waterfowl hunts amid restored salt ponds at Congressman Pete Stark Ecological Reserve at Eden Landing (formerly Eden Landing Ecological Reserve) in Hayward, a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) land. Access to the ecological reserve will be open to 100 hunters on a first-come, first-served basis on the following dates:</p> <p>2023 hunts (5 a.m. check-in)</p> <ul> <li>Saturday, Nov. 11</li> <li>Tuesday, Nov. 21</li> <li>Saturday, Dec. 2</li> <li>Thursday, Dec. 7</li> <li>Saturday, Dec. 16</li> <li>Thursday, Dec. 21</li> </ul> <p>2024 hunts (5 a.m. check-in)</p> <ul> <li>Saturday, Jan. 6</li> <li>Thursday, Jan. 11</li> <li>Saturday, Jan. 20</li> <li>Thursday, Jan. 25</li> </ul> <p>“Eden Landing waterfowl hunts are unique in that there are no fees charged and hunting is offered on some Tuesdays and Thursdays when other public waterfowl hunting areas are closed,” said CDFW Lands Manager John Krause. “These hunts typically have a three-bird average per season with northern shoveler and American wigeon being the most common harvest.”</p> <p>Adult hunters must have a valid California hunting license, a signed Federal Duck stamp, California Duck Validation and Harvest Information Program (HIP) validation. Youth hunters younger than 16 will need a valid Junior Hunting License and Harvest Information Program (HIP) validation. Junior Hunting License holders who have turned 16 will also need a signed Federal Duck Stamp.</p> <p>There is a 25-shell limit in the field and nonlead ammunition is required when taking wildlife anywhere in California. A hunting dog is recommended for retrieving birds. A small boat, canoe or other floatation device is also highly recommended to access ponds and blinds. Pete Stark Ecological Reserve has a boat launch on Mount Eden Creek allowing access to tidal areas. Boaters are advised to consult local tide charts before launching as mud flats can subject vessels to hidden underwater hazards during low tides.</p> <p>Hunters should also be aware that vehicle access to some areas of Pete Stark Ecological Reserve may be temporarily limited due to ongoing levee maintenance. Hunters are responsible for avoiding closed areas.</p> <p>To access Pete Stark Ecological Reserve from Interstate 880: Exit at Alvarado Boulevard; continue west and turn right on Union City Boulevard; left on Bettencourt Road (look for Union Sanitary District sign); left on Whipple Road, right on Horner Street; right on Veasy Street. Enter at the yellow gate and proceed to the check station.</p> <p>Public access opportunities at the reserve in addition to hunting are available. More information is available at <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Eden-Landing-ER">wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Eden-Landing-ER</a> and South Bay Salt Ponds Restoration Project at <a href="https://www.southbayrestoration.org/" target="_blank">www.southbayrestoration.org</a>.</p> <p><em><strong>Media contacts</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:Ken.Paglia@Wildlife.ca.gov">Ken Paglia</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120<br /> <a href="mailto:Carly.White@wildlife.ca.gov">Carly White</a>, CDFW Bay Delta Region, (707) 415-6123</em></p> <p>###</p> CDFW Seeks Artists to Enter Annual California Duck Stamp Art Contesthttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-seeks-artists-to-enter-annual-california-duck-stamp-art-contest1Duck StampThu, 23 Mar 2023 15:14:59 GMTThe 2023-24 California Duck Stamp will feature the ring-necked duck.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) invites artists to submit their original artwork to the 2023-2024 California Duck Stamp Art Contest. Submissions will be accepted May 1 through June 9.</p> <p>The artwork must depict the species selected by the California Fish and Game Commission, which for the 2023-2024 hunting season is the ring-necked duck. Often found in small flocks, these small to medium-sized diving ducks frequent shallower bodies of water including fresh marshes, wooded ponds and flooded agricultural fields. They are identified by their noticeably peaked head, which on males is an iridescent black that continues down across the back and chest. The namesake ring around their neck is usually difficult to see, but the prominent white bands around their bill are easily recognizable.</p> <p>The winning artwork will be reproduced on the 2023-2024 California Duck Stamp. The top submissions are traditionally showcased at the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association’s art show, which is scheduled to take place in July.</p> <p>The contest is open to U.S. residents 18 years of age or older as of March 23, 2023. Entrants need not reside in California. Current and former CDFW employees are ineligible. All entries must be accompanied by a completed participation agreement and entry form. These forms and the official rules are available online at <a href="http://wildlife.ca.gov/duck-stamp/contest">wildlife.ca.gov/duck-stamp/contest</a>.  </p> <p>The design is to be in full color and in the medium (or combination of mediums) of the artist’s choosing, except that no photographic process, digital art, metallic paints or fluorescent paints may be used in the finished design. Photographs, computer-generated art, art produced from a computer printer or other computer/mechanical output device (air brush method excepted) are not eligible for entry and will be disqualified. The design must be the contestant’s original hand-drawn creation. The entry design may not be copied or duplicated from previously published art, including photographs, or from images in any format published on the Internet.</p> <p>Entries will be judged in June. The judges’ panel, which will consist of experts in the fields of ornithology, conservation, and art and printing, will choose first, second and third-place winners, as well as honorable mention.</p> <p>Since 1971, CDFW’s annual contest has attracted top wildlife artists from around the country. All proceeds generated from stamp sales go directly to waterfowl conservation projects throughout California. In past years, hunters were required to purchase and affix the stamp to their hunting license. Now California has moved to an automated licensing system and hunters are no longer required to carry the physical stamps in the field (proof of purchase prints directly onto the license). However, CDFW will still produce the stamps, which can be requested by interested individuals at <a href="http://wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/collector-stamps">wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/collector-stamps</a>.  </p> <p><strong>Photo Credit: </strong><em>Winning 2022-23 Duck Stamp painting of Canada geese by John Brennan.</em></p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Amanda.L.Mcdermott@wildlife.ca.gov">Amanda McDermott</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 738-9641<br /> <a href="mailto:Melanie.Weaver@wildlife.ca.gov">Melanie Weaver</a>, CDFW Wildlife Branch</em><br />  </p> CDFW Offering Waterfowl Hunts at East Bay Ecological Reservehttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-offering-waterfowl-hunts-at-east-bay-ecological-reserve1WaterfowlFri, 14 Oct 2022 11:04:46 GMTHunters can soon participate in no-fee waterfowl hunts amid restored salt ponds at Eden Landing Ecological Reserve (ELER) in Hayward, a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) land.<p>Hunters can soon participate in no-fee waterfowl hunts amid restored salt ponds at Eden Landing Ecological Reserve (ELER) in Hayward, a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) land. Access to ELER will be open to 100 hunters on a first-come, first-served basis on the following dates:</p> <p>2022 hunts (5:00 a.m. check-in)</p> <ul> <li>Saturday, Nov. 12</li> <li>Tuesday, Nov. 22</li> <li>Saturday, Dec. 3</li> <li>Thursday, Dec. 8</li> <li>Saturday, Dec. 17</li> <li>Thursday, Dec. 22</li> </ul> <p>2023 hunts (5:30 a.m. check-in)</p> <ul> <li>Saturday, Jan. 7</li> <li>Thursday, Jan. 12</li> <li>Saturday, Jan. 21</li> <li>Thursday, Jan. 26</li> </ul> <p>“Eden Landing waterfowl hunts are unique in that there are no fees charged and hunting is offered on some Tuesdays and Thursdays when other public waterfowl hunting areas are closed. These hunts typically have a three-bird average per season with northern shoveler and American wigeon being most common harvest,” said CDFW’s ELER manager John Krause.</p> <p>Adult hunters must have a valid California Hunting License, federal duck stamp, state duck stamp and Harvest Information Program validations. Juniors must have a junior hunting license and, if 16 or older, also possess a federal duck stamp. Junior hunters must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older (hunter or non-hunter).</p> <p>There is a 25-shell limit in the field and nonlead ammunition is required when taking wildlife anywhere in California. A hunting dog is recommended for retrieving birds. A small boat, canoe or other floatation device is also highly recommended to access ponds and blinds. ELER has a boat launch on Mount Eden Creek allowing access to tidal areas. Boaters are advised to consult local tide charts before launching as mud flats can subject vessels to hidden underwater hazards during low tides.</p> <p>Hunters should also be aware that vehicle access to some areas of ELER may be temporarily limited due to ongoing levee maintenance. Hunters are responsible for avoiding closed areas.</p> <p>To access ELER from Interstate 880: Exit at Alvarado Boulevard; continue west and turn right on Union City Boulevard; left on Bettencourt Road (look for Union Sanitary District sign); left on Whipple Road, right on Horner Street; right on Veasy Street. Enter at the yellow gate and proceed to the check station.</p> <p>Public access opportunities at the reserve in addition to hunting are available. More information is available at <a href="/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Eden-Landing-ER">wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Eden-Landing-ER</a> and South Bay Salt Ponds Restoration Project at <a href="https://www.southbayrestoration.org/" target="_blank">www.southbayrestoration.org</a>.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Ken.Paglia@Wildlife.ca.gov">Ken Paglia</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120<br /> <a href="mailto:John.Krause@wildlife.ca.gov">John Krause</a>, CDFW Bay Delta Region, (415) 454-8050</em></p> CDFW Offering Free Swan Tours This Fall and Winterhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-offering-free-swan-tours-this-fall-and-winter1WildlifeFri, 07 Oct 2022 12:47:18 GMTThe California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering free swan tours in Yuba County near Marysville on select Saturdays, November through early January.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering free swan tours in Yuba County near Marysville on select Saturdays, November through early January.</p> <p>Held in partnership with Mathews Rice farming operation, this area boasts one of the largest populations of overwintering tundra swans in the Central Valley as well as abundant geese, ducks, shorebirds and raptors.</p> <p>These popular, naturalist-led tours last approximately two hours. In caravan fashion, the tours traverse flooded rice fields filled with migratory and resident birds, with periodic stops to watch and learn about the wildlife.</p> <p>The 2022-23 swan tour dates are:</p> <ul> <li>November 5, 12, 19, 26</li> <li>December 3, 10, 17, 31</li> <li>January 7</li> </ul> <p>Two tours are offered each day at 9:30 a.m. and at 1 p.m.</p> <p>Pre-registration is required by contacting Genelle Treaster, CDFW North Central Region, at <a href="mailto:Genelle.Treaster@wildlife.ca.gov">Genelle.Treaster@wildlife.ca.gov</a>.</p> <p><em><strong>CDFW file photo.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>###</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@gmail.com">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858</em></p>