Tuesday, September 13, 2022, the Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a Teton County poultry flock.
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This is the 11th HPAI affected Montana flock linked to a 2022 wave of HPAI infections in the United States traced to seasonal migrations of wild birds.
Since September 1st, Montana and eight other states have confirmed infections in domestic poultry. Due to ongoing detections, MDOL has reinstated recommendations to house birds indoors including birds enrolled in certified organic programs. Enrolled producers should contact their certifier before moving birds indoors to ensure program compliance.
“While the route of disease introduction has not been determined, exposure to wild birds or their excreta is the most likely source.†stated Martin Zaluski, the Montana State Veterinarian. “Preventing contact between wild birds and domestic poultry is still our most effective tool to keep poultry healthy.â€
Infected birds can exhibit signs such as swollen eyes, discolored comb and legs, significant drop in egg production or water and feed consumption.
In 2022, the most common presentation has been sudden death of multiple birds within a flock. When avian influenza is suspected, samples from these flocks are submitted to the Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MVDL) and tested.
Infected flocks are placed under quarantine and required to depopulate all remaining birds on the premises to prevent further disease spread.
Flock owners are eligible to receive indemnity on birds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Depopulation of the Teton County flock is underway.
In addition to restrictions on the affected flock, the Department will conduct disease surveillance of poultry premises within 10 km of the affected premises. Surveillance is conducted by contacting premises to inquire about any sick birds and weekly sampling for premises that may sell poultry or poultry products.
Avian influenza is an infectious viral disease of birds that can cause high mortality rates in domestic flocks. Migratory waterfowl are the primary source for avian influenza (AI).
Wild birds can be infected and appear healthy but shed virus in the feces, saliva, and respiratory secretions. Domestic poultry become infected through direct contact with infected wild birds, or through contact with contaminated objects, equipment, or the environment.
The department encourages all poultry producers to immediately report sudden onset of illness or high death loss in domestic poultry to their veterinarian or the department.
While HPAI is considered a potentially zoonotic disease, CDC continues to consider the risk to people from wild birds, backyard flocks, and commercial poultry to be low. ■