Avian influenza has been found in Montana

Montana Department of Livestock

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been found in Montana poultry not just wild birds. This is very important in backyard and commercial poultry and fowl operations.

For domestic birds that have been identified, depopulation is the regulated response by the department of livestock and USDA veterinary services. This is a huge bird and protein loss so due diligence to biosecurity and reporting are key to minimizing the effects of this disease. Living birds can be indemnified by USDA but dead birds cannot. Please contact the department of livestock as listed in the press release for specific questions regarding this case.

Higher numbers of poultry dying is always an issue and is critical to report these to the department of Livestock (DOL):  406-444-2043. Samples will be sent to our own diagnostic laboratory in Bozeman as well as sent to the USDA labs for identification of disease. 

Also remember that there is a small chance of humans getting avian influenza as many strains are zoonotic although it takes very close contact and inhaling the virus.