Bird flu found in backyard flock in Flathead County

Bird flu was detected in a backyard poultry flock in Flathead County, the latest linked to an ongoing outbreak, according to the Montana Department of Livestock.  

The case is the 25th detection linked to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak, which began in early 2022 in Montana. The last confirmed bird flu infection occurred in January.  

Bird flu is spread from migratory waterfowl and infections in domestic poultry follow the spring and fall migrations. Department of Livestock officials said poultry producers should practice biosecurity to minimize the risk of spreading the disease, including not keeping bird feeders near domestic poultry.