Bird flu kills backyard flock in Flathead

The Montana Department of Livestock last week confirmed that the avian flu has killed a small backyard poultry flock in Flathead County.

The case marks the 16th Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) affected flock in the state since the start of the outbreak in March and second case in the county. The first case here led to the death of seven birds in July.

The 2022 HPAI variant continues to have a significant effect on commercial and backyard flocks, with over 56 million birds in 47 states affected nationally.

First detected in domestic birds in Indiana on Feb. 8 of this year, the new AI strain had been detected in wild birds in Newfoundland and Labrador in eastern Canada in December 2021. Since first being detected in the eastern United States in January 2022, it has spread to all four bird migration flyways, including the Central and Pacific flyways, which covers parts of Montana.

To date, there have been 15 cases reported in Montana, leading to the deaths of more than 82,000 birds.

Avian influenza is an infectious viral disease of birds that can cause high mortality in domestic flocks. Migratory waterfowl are the primary source of HPAI. Wild birds can be infected and appear healthy but shed virus in the feces, saliva, and respiratory secretions. Domestic poultry become infected through direct contact with wild birds, or through contact with contaminated objects, equipment, or the environment.

“HPAI has impacted over 80,000 domestic birds in Montana.” stated Martin Zaluski, Montana State Veterinarian “The impacts of this year’s disease outbreak are substantial.”

Infected or sick birds can exhibit numerous signs such as swollen eyes, discolored comb and legs, a significant drop in egg production, or decrease in water and feed consumption. However, the most common sign has been sudden death of multiple birds within a flock. This has been the case in Montana where affected flocks have experienced high death loss.

Infected flocks are placed under quarantine and any remaining birds on the premises are required to be depopulated to prevent further disease spread. Flock owners are eligible to receive indemnity on depopulated birds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

In addition to restrictions on the affected flock, the department will conduct disease surveillance of poultry premises within 6 miles of the affected premises. Surveillance includes contact with premises to inquire about any sick birds and weekly sampling for premises that may sell poultry or poultry products.

Due to ongoing detections, the department has reinstated guidance regarding housing birds indoors, including birds enrolled in certified organic programs, and continues to emphasize the importance of biosecurity. Certified organic producers should contact their certifier before moving birds indoors to ensure program compliance.

Biosecurity measures to protect flocks include:

• Prevent contact between wild or migratory birds and domestic poultry, including access by wild birds to feed and water sources.

• House birds indoors to the extent possible to limit exposure to wild or migratory birds.

• Limit visitor access to areas where birds are housed.

• Use dedicated clothing and protective footwear when caring for domestic poultry.

• Immediately isolate sick animals and contact your veterinarian or MDOL.

The department encourages all poultry producers to immediately report sudden onset of illness or high death loss in domestic poultry to their veterinarian or the department at (406-444-2976). If a sick or dead wild bird is found that has died from unknown causes, contact the local FWP Warden, Biologist or Regional office, or call the FWP wildlife veterinarian (406-577-7880).

The CDC continues to consider the risk to people from wild birds, backyard flocks, and commercial poultry to be low.

Existing safeguards to keep food safe and wholesome are sufficient to protect people, and the food supply in the United States is one of the safest in the world. As a reminder, the US Department of Agriculture recommends cooking poultry to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

The CDC has helpful resources and information regarding the risk for people and pets at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-other-animals.htm