HELENA — State Department of Livestock officials say bird flu has been confirmed in chickens in Judith Basin County less than a week after the disease killed a captive falcon in Columbia Falls.
Laboratory testing confirmed birds in the affected poultry flock had the H5N2 strain of bird flu. The flock of less than 100 chickens has been placed under quarantine and will be killed, burned or buried to prevent further spread of the disease.
No human health issues have been reported with this strain.
The Department of Livestock is investigating and will identify other poultry producers in the area to conduct disease surveillance and provide educational resources.
Poultry owners who experience the sudden onset of illness or deaths in their flocks are asked to call the Livestock Department.