By Gael Bissell
AVIAN FLU UPDATE – IT IS STILL HERE
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) has been circulating in the Western Hemisphere since early 2022. Commonly known as the bird flu, this type A virus was first discovered in Hong Kong in 1997. The virus is extremely deadly to poultry and other domesticated birds, waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, terns, raptors and other bird species. The good news is that currently the virus appears to be less virulent or deadly to songbirds.
Avian flu viruses are primarily transmitted via the fecal–oral route, meaning the disease is spread by ingesting food or water contaminated by infected feces. Many birds, such as waterfowl, can be infected without showing symptoms and become a reservoir for the virus. Over 400 million domestic birds have been exposed to H5N1 since November 2024, often leading to culling of the exposed birds. Type A viruses are known to mutate or change very easily over time.
Avian flu has also infected dairy cows throughout the country (though not in Montana yet), as well as a handful of humans who work with these animals. Most cattle survive their infections and only 1 of 67 humans who contracted the disease has died. This winter a new bird flu variant, one that may be more deadly to livestock, has been found in New Mexico cattle.
In Montana there have been 225 detections of avian flu in wild birds. Six were in the Flathead Valley; including Bald Eagle, Great Horned Owl, American Coot, Red-tailed Hawk and Canada Goose. This flu has also killed domestic cats, raccoons, skunk, fox, mountain lion, and two grizzly bears in Montana.
Current Recommendations For Bird Lovers:
- Feeders/Baths: Feeding songbirds is currently considered safe (allaboutbirds.org) as long as you clean your feeders and bird baths regularly and monitor for dead or dying birds or other animals in your yard.
- Feeding Near Domestic Flocks: Do not feed or provide water to wild birds near domestic flocks. If bird flu is detected in a domestic flock all birds will need to be culled.
- Nestboxes: When checking songbird nestboxes, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after handling. Waterfowl/owl nestboxes require greater care. Wear gloves and a mask; change or wash gloves and disinfect equipment between nestboxes; and change clothes and footwear before visiting any domestic poultry.
- Birdwatching: Avoid contact with surfaces that have bird feces. Do not walk where geese, ducks, gulls, and eagles rest as you could inadvertently spread bird flu through your shoes and boots. If you discover you are in an area where waterfowl have concentrated, go home and disinfect your boots. Consider using disposable boot covers.
- If you find a dead bird and want to remove or report it:
- Wear gloves and a face mask.
- Place dead birds in a double-bagged garbage bag.
- Throw away your gloves and facemask after use.
- Wash your hands well with soap and warm water.
- Report dead birds to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (406-752-5501).
The situation with bird flu is still very fluid and could change over time. Let’s be safe and do what we can to protect birds, other wildlife, and our domestic animals. Check out these important resources. Thanks!
Primary sources:
USDA: : https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections
All About Birds: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/avian-influenza-outbreak-should-you-take-down-your-bird-feeders/
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html
USGS: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/avian-influenza-surveillance
MTFWP https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/diseases/avian-influenza