WILDLIFE DISEASE

State agencies respond to questions about wildlife diseases

HELENA – Two diseases mostly affecting wild birds have been detected recently in Montana.

These include pigeon paramyxovirus (PPMV), which has become more widespread in the past month, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which has been detected in Montana since 2022. Mortality in wild birds from HPAI tends to cycle with waterfowl migrations, and detections of HPAI in Montana have increased recently due to seasonal migrations.

Hunters, livestock and pet owners, and other residents may have questions about these pathogens and...