BOZEMAN — Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is once again warning hunters about the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), more commonly known as bird flu.
There have been positive tests this fall in Montana, including a trumpeter swan from the Madison Valley.
The bird flu has been around for a while and with the annual bird migration it has shown up again this fall in Montana.
“We have seen birds test positive in Montana this fall, including a trumpeter swan in the Madison Valley,” said FWP spokesman Morgan Jacobsen. “And so it's important for hunters to continue to be aware of this especially as they're hunting migratory waterfowl so that they can take precautions themselves. But also, if you're hunting with a dog you want to make sure that you're taking precautions for them as well.
Other animals can contract bird flu from sick birds, so make sure your dogs do not come into contact with those birds. Jacobsen says care is also needed for successful hunters to make sure they don’t come into contact with HPAI.
“So, when you're handling that bird and when you're processing the meat make sure that you wear gloves you're doing so in a well-ventilated area, you're cleaning the tools and the equipment that you use to process that animal. And when you cook the meat, make sure you cook it thoroughly to kill any bacteria or virus that might be there.
FWP is also asking anyone who sees a potentially sick bird to report it to them immediately.
