Biologists: These Montana Birds Didn’t Die From Avian Flu

Biologists with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks say a new disease that's killing doves in the Missoula and Bitterroot valleys is NOT the bird flu.

They also say what killed these doves isn't really a risk to you, although it's best to be careful if you run across them and have to take care of disposal.

Unlike the avian flu, H5N1, this virus only impacts three different species.

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What's been killing doves in Western Montana?

FWP says multiple reports of pigeon paramyxovirus in Eurasian collared doves have been received, with between 2 and 20 birds killed per location. The agency says this strain of PPMV is a naturally occurring virus and only affects doves, pigeons and cormorants, and not poultry.

Limited impact on other critters

The biologists also say while PPMV-1 doesn't impact birds outside of those three species, it's still a good idea to keep domestic animals away from wild birds, especially if you find any dead ones on your property.

Human infection is "extremely rare"

FWP explains it's "extremely rare" for the virus to spread to people, but sometimes fatal and even severe cases of PPMV have been reported when people have direct, extended contact with an infected bird. The risk is higher with anyone who has a compromised immune system.

What should you do if you find a dead bird in the Missoula area?

The agency says anyone who finds dead doves should only pick them up with disposable gloves, and then scoop the bird into a plastic bag and seal it up. The bag can just be thrown away with the trash once it's sealed.

FWP says it would also help if people report cases where they find five or more birds that may have been killed by PPMV.