Gallatin County officials were notified that avian influenza A (H5N1) was detected in a flock of domestic poultry located in rural Gallatin County. Below are some details and what to do if you have questions regarding the risk of H5N1 spread in Gallatin County.
Report any sudden onset of illness or death in your flock.
- Your local veterinarian
- Montana Department of Livestock – 406-444-2976
- Please report dead or sick wild birds to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.
- Local FWP Warden or Regional Office
- Gallatin County FWP Office – 406-585-9010
- State FWP Wildlife Veterinarian – 406-577-7880
National Details:
- As of April 28, 2022, H5N1 viruses have been found in U.S. commercial and backyard birds in 29 states and in wild birds in 34 states.
- A Colorado person has tested positive for avian influenza A (H5) and was a confirmed case by the CDC. This case occurred in a person who had direct exposure to poultry and was actively involved in the depopulation of a flock with presumptive H5N1 bird flu. For more details, see the CDCs media statement. This is the first case in the U.S. that has been detected in a human. While it meets the case definition (known exposure, symptoms, and PCR (+)), additional serologic testing is being conducted by CDC. Serologic testing will help distinguish whether the detection of genetic material in the nasal passage constitutes infection, or just exposure, as the virus could be transiently acquired in the nasal passage through work with sick poultry. An antibody response would confirm infection.
Local Details:
- Officials were notified that avian influenza A (H5N1) was detected in a flock of domestic poultry located in rural Gallatin County.
- The Montana Department of Livestock has identified a “Surveillance Zone” around this location to monitor potential spread of the disease and additional cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
- If you identify potential illness in your flock, report it, and avoid contact with surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from wild birds or domestic birds. You should avoid contact with poultry and wild birds that appear ill or dead. If you must handle sick or dead poultry, you should wear proper PPE and wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.
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