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Pair of wildlife diseases detected in Montana birds

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Pair of wildlife diseases detected in Montana birds


Eurasian collared doves and mourning doves, like this pictured here incubating eggs, are susceptible to the disease pigeon paramyxovirus, or PPMV, which killed as many as 70 wild doves near Belgrade, Montana, in the last two months of 2023. Photo by Evan Davis/NPS

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.

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FWP responded to reports by residents where groups of
doves were found dead, and disease testing revealed positive results for PPMV,
FWP’s Morgan Jacobsen told Mountain
Journal.
PPMV typically impacts doves and pigeons alone, and the strain
detected in Montana rarely infects mammals, according to a January 8 FWP press release.
Additionally, there have been no recorded cases of the strain causing diseases
in U.S. poultry.

“Monitoring these diseases helps keep track of prevalence
and distribution,” Jacobsen said, explaining that FWP monitors for a variety of
wildlife diseases year round, including chronic wasting disease in ungulates. “[Monitoring] can help us better
understand how wildlife can be affected over time and space.”

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.

While cases in Montana are currently low, avian influenza, or HPAI—is highly infectious and fatal to poultry and some species of wild birds. 

“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.

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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.

State officials will determine where disease testing is
warranted to continue monitoring the spread of HPAI and PPMV. Jacobsen
encouraged Montanans to call
their local FWP office if they come across sick or dead birds, and to
notify the Montana
Department of Livestock at (406) 444-2976 if they suspect an outbreak of HPAI
in domestic animals or poultry.

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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.





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Montana Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for April 18, 2026

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The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at April 18, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from April 18 drawing

24-25-39-46-61, Powerball: 01, Power Play: 5

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Lotto America numbers from April 18 drawing

18-21-22-32-42, Star Ball: 10, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from April 18 drawing

10-16-29-31, Bonus: 13

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Montana Cash numbers from April 18 drawing

06-08-09-20-22

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Check Montana Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
  • Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
  • Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Between Bozeman And Billings Is Montana’s One-Of-A-Kind Historic Mill Filled With Cheese – Islands

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Between Bozeman And Billings Is Montana’s One-Of-A-Kind Historic Mill Filled With Cheese – Islands






Montana may be well known as a top destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers thanks to its outdoor activities like hiking and paddling, but there are some unique foodie gems to be found here, too. One of the best ways to experience Montana’s local food scene is with a visit to Greycliff Mill, between Bozeman and Billings. Here, you can discover a one-of-a-kind cheese attraction along with a number of other things to see on site during your visit to Big Sky Country.

Greycliff Mill is housed in a restored 1760s barn, which features a water-powered gristmill and pretty scenery like ponds framed by rock formations. You may see bison wandering the site — there are five that live here. You may also catch a glimpse of a 10-foot-tall bear, but no need to panic as it’s only a statue, carved by a chainsaw. The pretty cafe, a mix of modern and rustic decor, serves from a menu that includes coffee, milkshakes, and pastries, plus paninis like “The Cattleman” and breakfast sandwiches like the “Sheepherders Sandwich.” Book in advance for a special farm-to-table dinner in the evening — these are only offered on select dates throughout the year, and may sell out. But one thing you shouldn’t miss here is the cheese cave.

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Discover Greycliff Mill’s cheese cave

Greycliff Mill has an underground cheese cave, which is a must-see on any visit. It’s possible to see experts making artisan cheeses while you learn about the cheesemaking process and sample a few products. The cheese is aged in the cave at a temperature of 50 degrees with 85% humidity to create the perfect environment for a tasty product. It’s possible to buy some cheese at their market — which also sells seasonal produce, bread, and lots of other Montana-made products.

Besides the food-based spots, Greycliff Mill is also home to a small wool-weaving studio, and there are accommodations if you want to spend the night in restored log cabins or reclaimed farm silos. Greycliff Creek Ranch offers horseback rides and a chuckwagon dinner for more authentic Montana experiences. Whether you’re visiting especially to see the cheese cave, or road tripping and need a break, Greycliff Mill is a quirky and special spot. One Google reviewer summed up the experience well, praising the “amazing rustic atmosphere,” and saying, “I stopped for a coffee and ended up staying just to enjoy the view. Great coffee, peaceful place, and such a unique spot. Definitely worth the stop if you’re driving through Montana.”

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Greycliff Mill is between Bozeman and Billings, the largest city in Montana and surrounded by natural beauty. It’s almost equidistant between the two cities — 1 hour to Bozeman and 1 hour to Billings. The closest major airport is Billings-Logan International Airport, although Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Montana’s mountain gem of an airport, is also a convenient option.





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Montana Lottery Mega Millions, Big Sky Bonus results for April 17, 2026

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The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at April 17, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from April 17 drawing

38-43-44-49-62, Mega Ball: 08

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from April 17 drawing

01-08-12-27, Bonus: 09

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
  • Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
  • Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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