This disease can be transmitted to humans “through the handling or consumption of infected birds”. “It’s a very contagious disease,” warns the manager. If no precautions are taken, transmission can be made to the hunter or to his guests. »
Infected organ
The two hunters had an excellent reflex in warning the authorities. “It’s a fairly common disease in this bird,” says Régis Hargues. During evisceration, the appearance of the liver may have a strange appearance. “An infected organ presents whitish nodules,” he says. In the prevention message posted on its website this Friday, December 19, the federation published a photo of a woodpigeon liver showing these white spots. Another clarification, “birds can also appear abnormally thin”.
Known symptoms
This disease triggers symptoms “like gastroenteritis or food poisoning”. Namely severe stomach cramps or diarrhea. Symptoms which can also vary “depending on the physical state of the infected person”.
For these reasons, the departmental federation provides protection advice, “such as not consuming birds showing these possible symptoms”. In addition, it is strongly recommended to “wear gloves when handling and to clean your hands and equipment carefully after use”.
Precautionary principle
Analyzes were immediately ordered from a laboratory in Mont-de-Marsan by the Federation of Landes Hunters “to confirm the first diagnosis”. Régis Hargues underlines the priority of the “precautionary principle”. “The preservation of our game and the safety of hunters are our priorities,” he continues, inviting us to relay this message of vigilance “to raise awareness among as many people as possible.”
