PIERRE - The second phase of testing for bird flu will be conducted during the duck-hunting season that begins Sept. 29 in much of the state.

About 1,000 migratory birds were tested last year, and another 380 samples were collected during summer duck banding conducted by the state Department of Game, Fish & Parks. Testing is being done nationwide to determine if waterfowl and other birds that migrate through the continental U.S. might be infected with avian influenza.