by Julia Barton

Multiple groups of up to 70 wild doves were found dead
near Belgrade, Montana, in the final two months of 2023. The culprit: pigeon
paramyxovirus, often referred to as PPMV. It’s one of two avian diseases recently
recorded in the state, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

The other avian disease found in the state since
2022—highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI—is extremely infectious and
fatal to poultry and some species of wild birds. Although cases are currently
low in Montana, the spread is cyclical and often spikes during spring and fall
migration, Jacobsen explained.

“With avian flu, there are fairly broad impacts because
it affects multiple species,” Jacobsen said. “In terms of population-level
impacts, I think the long-term prognosis is unclear. We haven’t seen any
significant die-offs, but that’s something that we’re watching closely when we get
these surges of cases.”

Among the impacted species are various iconic wild birds of
the region, including the bald eagle, great horned owl, great blue heron and trumpeter
swan. Three grizzly bears, a handful of skunks and a single mountain lion are
among the mammals that have been infected in the state with HPAI since it was
first documented in 2022, according to a Dec. 11 FWP dataset.

The diseases are not isolated to Montana and many other
U.S. states are experiencing the spread of both HPAI and PPMV. Jacobsen said
Montana is “in the loop” with monitoring and research efforts occurring in
other areas of the country to help guide state action.

The risk of transmission to humans for both diseases is
low, however FWP recommends taking precautions when handling birds that may
appear to be sick or have already died. Hunters are advised to avoid harvesting
birds that appear ill in order to avoid unnecessary risk.

“If a bird has trouble moving, that’s an indicator that
the bird may be sick or injured,” Jacobsen said, noting that lack of mobility
and lethargy are the telltale signs of illness. While transmission probability
to pets is low, Jacobsen said owners can protect their pets by limiting their exposure
to both wild birds and domestic poultry.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mountain Journal is the only nonprofit, public-interest journalism organization of its kind dedicated to covering the wildlife and wild lands of Greater Yellowstone. We take pride in our work, yet to keep bold, independent journalism free, we need your support. Please donate here. Thank you.