Hunters Urged to Review Biosecurity Practices During Fall Season

Sep 23, 2025

By Miranda Meehan and Mary Keen et.al

Many hunters are preparing for fall goose and duck season in North Dakota. As hunters prepare, they are encouraged to review biosecurity practices to protect domestic birds and livestock from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Positive cases of HPAI continue to be reported in wild birds, domestic birds and dairy cattle.

This risk of transmission increases during hunting season due to increased interactions with wild birds that may be carrying HPAI. North Dakota State University Extension specialists advise hunters who have contact with domestic poultry and livestock to be aware of what steps to take if they see sick or deceased wildlife.

“If you hunt game or wild birds and own domestic poultry or livestock, do not wear hunting clothes or footwear while you are interacting with your poultry or livestock,” says Dr. Jake Galbreath, NDSU Extension veterinarian.

The primary carriers of avian influenza A are waterfowl, gulls, terns and shorebirds.

Source : ndsu.edu

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.