FWP has received numerous reports of sick and dead waterfowl on the Bighorn River from Afterbay to the I-90 bridge just outside of Hardin.
While we suspect this mortality event is due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), staff investigated the area and collected carcasses for testing to confirm a diagnosis. Carcasses will be sent to FWP’s Wildlife Health Lab in Bozeman for testing and test results may not be available for a few days. Prevalence of HPAI often increases during spring and fall bird migrations when there are large congregations of birds.
In the meantime, FWP recommends the following precautions to keep yourself and pets safe:
Avoid contact with any sick or dead wildlife, including birds.
Do not handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.
Prevent dogs and cats from consuming sick birds or birds that are found dead, and keep them away from bird excrement.
Domestic poultry owners should continue to practice good biosecurity, preventing contact between poultry and wild birds.
If you find five or more sick or dead wild birds in one location, outside of the portion of the Bighorn River mentioned above, call the Billings FWP office at 406-247-2940 or the Wildlife Health Program in Bozeman at 406-577-7880. Sick or dead domestic birds should be reported to the Montana Department of Livestock at 406-444-2976. More information on HPAI is available online here: fwp.mt.gov/conservation/diseases/avian-influenza.
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