Reminder: Take precautions when handling sick-looking wildlife

HELENA – Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to be a concern in Montana. While Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff have received several calls from bird hunters and other outdoor recreationists about sick-looking wildlife, it’s important to keep in mind that animals infected with HPAI don’t always show symptoms.

HPAI is a naturally occurring virus that is extremely infectious and fatal to poultry and some species of wild birds and mammals. It was first detected in wild birds and domestic poultry in Montana in spring 2022. Symptoms include respiratory distress, weakness, lack of coordination, seizures and death, but affected birds are often simply found dead.  

People should take precautions when handling harvested game birds or any sick or dead bird they find. Whenever possible, avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife. Even if a contagious disease is not suspected, gloves should always be worn if a dead animal must be handled for disposal. 

In Montana, various duck species are most likely to carry the virus without symptoms, while geese and raptors have been the most common wild birds to die from the virus.

Bird hunters should follow these simple precautions when processing or handling wild game: 

Do not harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead. 
Keep dogs away from sick or dead waterfowl, and do not feed raw scraps to domestic animals. 
Wear disposable latex or rubber gloves while cleaning game or cleaning bird feeders. 
Clean game birds outdoors in a well-ventilated area. 
Do not eat, drink or smoke while cleaning game. 

Avoid contact between people, equipment and materials that have been in contact with wild birds and backyard poultry flocks to avoid bringing the virus back to your flock. 

Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol wipes immediately after handling game or cleaning bird feeders. 
Wash tools and work surfaces used to clean game birds with soap and water, then disinfect with a 10 percent solution of chlorine bleach—one part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water. 

Separate raw meat, and anything it touches, from cooked or ready-to-eat foods to avoid contamination. 
Cook game meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165°F. 

Poultry owners should maintain separation between wild birds and domestic poultry. Bird feeders should not be kept near poultry and should be cleaned regularly with a 10 percent bleach solution. Disposable gloves should be worn when cleaning bird feeders. 

For more information on poultry biosecurity, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/dtf-resources/dtf-resources.

Raptors are susceptible to HPAI and are typically exposed by eating infected birds. Falconers should consider avoiding hunting and/or feeding wild birds, particularly waterfowl to their falcons during the outbreak. Enhanced biosecurity practices, 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

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

For information on HPAI in humans, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/hpai-interim-recommendations.html.