Reminder: Take precautions when handling sick-looking wildlife >

HELENA – Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to be a concern in Montana. While Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff have received several calls from bird hunters and other outdoor recreationists about sick-looking wildlife, it’s important to keep in mind that animals infected with HPAI don’t always show symptoms.  

HPAI is a naturally occurring virus that is extremely infectious and fatal to poultry and some species of wild birds and mammals. It was first detected in wild birds and domestic poultry in Montana in spring 2022. Symptoms include respiratory distress, weakness, lack of coordination, seizures and death, but affected birds are often simply found dead.   

People should take precautions when handling harvested game birds or any sick or dead bird they find. Whenever possible, avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife. Even if a contagious disease is not suspected, gloves should always be worn if a dead animal must be handled for disposal.  

In Montana, various duck species are most likely to carry the virus without symptoms, while geese and raptors have been the most common wild birds to die from the virus. 

Bird hunters should follow these simple precautions when processing or handling wild game:  

Poultry owners should maintain separation between wild birds and domestic poultry. Bird feeders should not be kept near poultry and should be cleaned regularly with a 10 percent bleach solution. Disposable gloves should be worn when cleaning bird feeders.  For more information on poultry biosecurity, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/dtf-resources/dtf-resources. 

Raptors are susceptible to HPAI and are typically exposed by eating infected birds. Falconers should consider avoiding hunting and/or feeding wild birds, particularly waterfowl to their falcons during the outbreak. Enhanced biosecurity practices, cleaning and limiting contact with wild birds or birds from other facilities is also warranted. Sick falcons should be promptly reported to a veterinarian and be quarantined from other birds in the facility 

For more information on HPAI in wild birds, visit fwp.mt.gov/conservation/diseases/avian-influenza, or visit the USGS website at www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/avian-influenza-surveillance. For information on HPAI in humans, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/hpai-interim-recommendations.html.  

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.