Bird hunters should be aware of the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild birds, as cases have been detected in parts of the United States this fall, including Montana.

HPAI viruses are extremely contagious and fatal to poultry and some species of wild birds. Humans can also become infected with HPAI viruses, but this is rare and usually occurs after close contact with infected birds.

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department is urging bird hunters to take precautions to protect themselves and their domestic poultry from HPAI. These precautions include:

• Avoiding contact with sick or dead wild birds.
• Wearing disposable gloves when cleaning game or cleaning bird feeders.
• Cleaning game birds outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
• Washing hands with soap and water or alcohol wipes immediately after handling game or cleaning bird feeders.
• Cooking game meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

Poultry owners should also take steps to protect their flocks from HPAI, such as:

• Maintaining separation between wild birds and domestic poultry.
• Not keeping bird feeders near poultry.
• Cleaning bird feeders regularly with a 10 percent bleach solution.
• Wearing disposable gloves when cleaning bird feeders.

For more information on HPAI in wild birds, visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website at fwp.mt.gov/conservation/diseases/avian-influenza or the USGS website at www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/avian-influenza-surveillance.

Additional information for bird hunters:

• Some waterfowl species carry and transmit the HPAI virus without developing symptoms.
• Other wild bird species are highly susceptible and are likely to die from infection.
• Raptors are susceptible to HPAI and are typically exposed via eating infected birds.
• The general recommendation for falconers is to avoid hunting and/or feeding wild birds, particularly waterfowl, during the outbreak.
• Enhanced biosecurity practices with enhanced 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.

By following these precautions, bird hunters can help to protect themselves, their domestic poultry, and wild birds from HPAI.

©️ Rocky Mountain Dispatch 2023