New detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza tied to backyard poultry flock; marks the 10th Montana flock affected during this year’s wave of infectionsBY BEACON STAFFAUGUST 9, 2022

State livestock officials have confirmed detections of bird flu in a backyard poultry flock in Flathead County, providing the latest evidence that this year’s wave of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to march across the United States.

On July 24, the Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) announced a positive detection of HPAI at a Flathead County residence, marking the 10th HPAI affected Montana flock linked to this year’s wave of U.S. infections, which have been traced to seasonal migrations of wild birds. Nationally, nearly 400 poultry flocks have been diagnosed with HPAI this year.

“With over two months since our last case of HPAI in the state, we had hoped that avian influenza was…