Avian Influenza Outbreak Detected in Gallatin County, Montana

In a recent announcement by the Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL), the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in a backyard poultry flock in Gallatin County. This marks Montana’s first detection in domestic poultry for the year and adds to the 30 cases linked to a national outbreak that commenced in 2022.

The infected flock experienced the sudden loss of 6 birds within a 24-hour period, illustrating the severe impact of this virus. Avian influenza is noted for causing high death rates in contaminated flocks, with symptoms including swollen eyes, discoloration, and massive drops in egg production. The virus is primarily spread through contact with migratory waterfowl and can infect domestic poultry directly or via contaminated objects and environments.

Dr. Tahnee Szymanski, the State Veterinarian, highlighted the ongoing efforts: “We appreciate the work our poultry and dairy owners have done to minimize the risk of disease introduction and spread. Biosecurity is labor intensive and often inconvenient, but important to protect both animal and human health.” Szymanski emphasized the necessity of housing poultry indoors and maintaining strict biosecurity protocols especially during migratory seasons.

The MDOL has activated vigilant measures, urging poultry producers to report any sudden illnesses or death to authorities and advising the public on safety precautions, including wearing gloves and thorough handwashing after contact with poultry. While the HPAI poses a moderate to high risk to those in direct contact with infected animals, the CDC considers the public health risk to the general population as low. Nonetheless, public and animal health officials remain on high alert.

The outbreak has not reported in dairy cattle in Montana, and continuous surveillance in dairy herds is ongoing. MDOL also reassures that HPAI does not affect food safety, underlining the efficacy of existing food safety protocols including the USDA’s recommendation to cook poultry to 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure food safety.