The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is reminding duck and goose hunters that Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza, or HPAI, has been circulating in wild birds in North America since December 2021.   The current strain of the virus was first detected in Oregon in May 2022 and continues to be found in wild birds and backyard poultry flocks.  More detections are expected during fall and winter as waterfowl migrate through Oregon or spend the winter here.  Wildlife managers are continuing to monitor for the disease by testing birds found dead and sampling live birds and birds harvested by hunters for the disease.  Hunters should always practice the following safe bird handling and cooking techniques and especially this season due to HPAI.  Do not harvest birds that are obviously sick or found dead, wear rubber or latex gloves when handling and cleaning game birds, keep the game bird and its juices away from other foods, thoroughly clean knives and any other equipment or surfaces that touch birds, wash your hands with soap and water after handling birds, cook all game meat thoroughly, and do not feed dogs raw meat, organs or other tissue from harvested waterfowl.  ODFW asks that hunters and the public report groups of three or more sick or dead wild birds to the Wildlife Health lab at 866-968-2600 so they can be investigated and tested for avian influenza.