FWP has received numerous reports of sick and dead waterfowl on the Bighorn River from Afterbay to the I-90 bridge just outside of Hardin.
While we suspect this mortality event is due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), staff investigated the area and collected carcasses for testing to confirm a diagnosis. Carcasses will be sent to FWP’s Wildlife Health Lab in Bozeman for testing and test results may not be available for a few days. Prevalence of HPAI often increases during spring and fall bird migrations when there are large congregations of birds.
In the meantime, FWP recommends the following precautions to keep yourself and pets safe:
Avoid contact with any sick or dead wildlife, including birds.
Do not handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.
Prevent dogs and cats from consuming sick birds or birds that are found dead, and keep them away from bird excrement.
