Captive falcon from Columbia Falls dies of bird flu

KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) — State wildlife officials say bird flu killed a captive falcon in Columbia Falls, marking the first report of avian influenza in the state.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials say the gyrfalcon died of unexplained causes. Laboratory testing confirmed the bird had the H5N2 strain of bird flu. No human health issues have been reported with this strain.

No deaths of domestic poultry have been reported in Montana, but the Department of Livestock is recommending domestic poultry producers take precautions to keep wild birds out of flocks.

Poultry owners who experience the sudden onset of illness or deaths in their flocks are asked to call the Livestock Department.

Anyone who finds sick or dead wild birds that have died from unknown causes is asked to call their local Fish, Wildlife and Parks office.

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