Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Impacts Montana

In a news release on May 2, the Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) announced that Montana now has eight flocks of birds with a confirmed infection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

This report comes after HPAI was detected in a Pondera County flock. These are the first cases of HPAI reported in domestic poultry in Montana since 2015.

According to Montana’s State Veterinarian, Dr. Marty Zaluski, these cases are part of a wave of HPAI infections in the United States linked to the seasonal migrations of wild birds. HPAI has also been detected in Cascade, Fergus, Gallatin, Glacier, Judith Basin, Missoula, and Toole counties.

Because Montana continues to be in the crosshairs for HPAI infections from wild birds, Zaluski said: “We hope that people are taking the risk to their poultry flocks seriously.”

Although no cases have yet been detected in Blaine County, Julianne Snedigar, 4-H/Ag Extension Agent with Montana State University, also shared on May 2, that there is a chance the county will not be able to host 4-H Poultry shows at this summer’s fair. The entire state is currently under a 60 day quarantine, and her office will continue to monitor the situation as news comes available.

“We might have to conduct our Poultry Show virtually,” Snedigar said.

For anyone seeking resources and ideas to keep flocks safe, Snedigar suggests visiting the Poultry Biosecurity web page from the University of Minnesota. Here, those who raise poultry will discover that sudden onset of HPAI and high mortality rates are common among all poultry (except ducks and geese). They will also learn several indicators for the disease and how to mitigate potential infection.

Similarly, a USDA brochure entitled “Protect Your Poultry from Avian Influenza” claims that early detection is vital to prevent the spread of HPAI. The brochure outlines various indicators:

• Sudden death without any prior symptoms of illness

• Lack of energy and appetite

• A drop in egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs

• Swelling of the eyelids, comb, wattles, and shanks

• Purple discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs

• Gasping for air (difficulty breathing)

• Nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing

• Twisting of the head and neck (torticollis)

• Stumbling or falling down

• Diarrhea

Scott Hemmer, a Region 6 Wildlife Management Biologist with Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks (FWP) based in Havre, shared this information on biosecurity: “In general, for people looking to try and protect their domestic flocks, the primary advice I have heard is 1) maintaining separation between domestic birds and wild birds/other wildlife, 2) making sure food/water is secured where wild birds can’t potentially infect it, 3) cleaning and disinfecting any equipment/vehicles or clothing/supplies that are brought into the area where domestic poultry are housed, and 4) not moving any equipment/crates between flocks of domestic poultry without first disinfecting.”

The information shared by the MDOL was similar, with State Veterinarian Zaluski saying in a press release: “As a result of this detection and the scope of the national outbreak, the Department is issuing an Official Order that prohibits all poultry shows, exhibitions, swaps, and public sales for the next 60 days to reduce the risk of exposure to HPAI.

“Exhibitions are an increased risk of HPAI because animals from multiple sources are concentrated in one area during the event. Cancellation of shows and exhibitions is a proactive step to prevent disease in our domestic poultry population. Depending on disease status in 60 days, this order may be modified or extended.”

The order does not, however, apply to private, catalog, or retail sale of poultry.

MDOL further encourages all poultry producers to immediately report sudden onset of illness or high death loss in domestic poultry to their local veterinarian or to the MDOL by calling 406-444-2976.

Continued on Page A2: Avian Influenza

Likewise, anyone finding sick or dead wild birds that have died from unknown causes should contact Hemmer by calling his office (406-265-6177 x224) or cell (406-357-7524). Alternatively, a person can contact the FWP wildlife veterinarian (406-577-7880).

Finally, on the topic of HPAI, the Center for Disease Control considers the risk to people from these infections in wild birds, backyard flocks, and commercial poultry to be low. No human infections with the virus have been detected at this time. However, it is recommended that people follow proper sanitary precautions when handling birds. Wearing latex or rubber gloves when cleaning birds, washing hands with soapy water after cleaning, disinfecting equipment and surfaces that may have come in contact with the bird, and cooking the meat thoroughly before eating are all suggested practices. As a reminder, the US Department of Agriculture recommends cooking poultry to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.