Montana Woman Discovers Avian Influenza in Her Poultry Flock
A recent report from a Montana resident has raised concerns among local poultry owners after her flock tested positive for avian influenza. Christy Cummings, who lives just a mile from the Turah exit, shared her troubling experience on Facebook following the untimely deaths of several chickens. State veterinarians confirmed the diagnosis earlier this month, prompting Cummings to urge nearby residents within a six-mile radius to monitor their flocks closely for any signs of illness.
The abrupt mortality rate within her flock signaled an infection, leading to the difficult decision to euthanize the remaining birds to prevent further spread of the virus. “At 2 p.m. we started culling, gassing my flock, and then we finished at 6:30 p.m. It was devastating. I picked up every single one of my chickens and handed them off to be gassed, so I did all the catching and saying my goodbyes,” Cummings recounted in an interview with NBC Montana.
Veterinarians emphasized the importance of vigilance in monitoring poultry health. They encourage any flock owner who notices unusual signs or symptoms in their birds to seek immediate testing. The state continues to work on controlling the situation to protect both local avian populations and the farmers who rely on them.
As this incident has revealed, avian influenza can have severe impacts on poultry communities, making awareness and prompt action critical to mitigate risks. Local poultry owners are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to safeguard their flocks.
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Photo credit nbcmontana.com
