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.  

Poultry may become infected through direct contact with infected wild birds, or through contact with contaminated objects, equipment or the environment, officials said. Sick and dead waterfowl were present on wetlands adjacent to the Flathead County property, according to an Oct. 24 press release from the state. 

“With the fall migration of waterfowl underway and the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Montana and other Pacific Northwest States, the risk of disease to domestic poultry has returned despite several months without a detection,” State Veterinarian Tahnee Szymanski said. 

Avian influenza is an infectious viral disease of birds that can cause high mortality rates in domestic flocks. Sick birds can exhibit numerous signs such as swollen eyes, discolored comb and legs, or a significant drop in egg production or water and feed consumption.  However, the most consistent presentation has been sudden death. 

While HPAI is considered a potentially zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans and cases in humans have been reported nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to consider the public health risk from the virus to be low. Public health recommends wearing gloves when handling sick or dead poultry and washing hands thoroughly after contact with birds. 

State livestock officials said bird hunters should follow simple precautions when processing or handling wild game, including not harvesting or handling wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead, wearing disposable latex or rubber gloves while cleaning game or cleaning bird feeders. Hunters are advised to not eat, drink or smoke while cleaning game.  

Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol wipes immediately after handling game or cleaning bird feeders, as well washing tools and work surfaces with soap and water, followed by a disinfectant. Separate raw meat, and anything it touches, from cooked or ready-to-eat foods to avoid contamination. Cook game meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165°F. 

HPAI has also been detected in dairy herds in multiple states, according to the Department of Livestock. The strain of virus circulating in dairy cattle is distinct from the strain circulating in wild birds.  

The Flathead County case is being attributed to transmission from wild birds, but additional testing is needed to confirm this. 

Poultry producers should report sudden onset of illness or high death loss in domestic poultry to their local veterinarian or MDOL at 406-444-2976. If a sick or dead wild bird is found that has died from unknown causes, contact the FWP regional office in Kalispell at 406-752-5501 or call the FWP wildlife veterinarian at 406-577-7880.