Southwest Montana News

State health officials are advising the public to exercise caution and take preventive measures against exposure to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) this spring. The warning comes as a response to recent detections of HPAI in birds and mammals.

"Despite detecting HPAI in birds and mammals, the risk to human health is currently low," stated Devon Cozart, an influenza epidemiologist with the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). "However, in order to keep it that way, we are encouraging people to be mindful of their interactions with both domestic poultry and wild birds."

Cozart highlighted that influenza viruses like H5N1 can mutate frequently. "That’s what gives some influenza viruses the ability to circulate seasonally," Cozart explained. "The more frequently H5N1 encounters a new species, the more likely it is to adapt to infect that species. That’s why we’re seeing some carnivores and scavengers infected with HPAI – because they are likely to eat sick or dead birds."

Since late 2021, the Montana Departments of Livestock (DOL) and Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) have been monitoring wild and domestic birds for signs of HPAI in Montana. The disease causes severe illness and high mortality among domestic birds such as chickens and turkeys. While some wild bird species also experience high mortality from infection, others like waterfowl may carry the virus without showing symptoms.

Officials from DOL and FWP anticipate that HPAI will continue circulating during the spring migration of waterfowl. Despite millions of bird infections since 2021, fewer than ten human cases have been linked worldwide, including one case in the United States.

No sustained human-to-human transmission has been documented for this strain of H5N1; human infections remain rare, with scientists considering this strain poorly adapted to humans.

Wild and domestic birds can spread HPAI through saliva, mucous, and droppings. Although most infected animals have been poultry or wild birds, recent cases have emerged in Montana involving small numbers of bears, foxes, raccoons, and skunks.

Individuals who come into contact with ill or deceased poultry or wildlife face higher infection risks; however, all Montanans are advised against handling sick or dead birds when possible.

For further information on protecting oneself from HPAI, residents can visit resources provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or check updates on the CDC website regarding current situations related to HPAI.