On Apr. 8, 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two flocks in Montana – a non-commercial, backyard flock (poultry) in Cascade County, and a non-commercial, backyard flock (non-poultry) in Judith Basin County.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a highly contagious viral disease of chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and many wild birds. It is transmitted by wild migratory waterfowl that may display no clinical signs of illness. Contact with infected birds, contaminated objects/equipment, and aerosol (short distances) can spread the virus which is found in feces, saliva, and respiratory secretions.