Avian Influenza Confirmed in Local Bird

This week, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, was detected in a goose that was recently collected in Gibson Park. The goose was exhibiting signs of illness at the time that it was located. Two people who made contact with the goose were tested for the bird flu, and results were negative. The virus has also recently been identified in birds in other areas of the state.

The HPAI virus has been identified in birds and mammals across Montana and the U.S. since 2022. To date, no HPAI infections have ever been reported among humans in Montana. Human HPAI infections are rare but have generally occurred after close and prolonged contact with infected animals or the excretions/secretions of infected animals. Montanans should avoid handling animals that appear sick or that are exhibiting abnormal behaviors and should take precautions when handling game birds.

Great Falls Park & Recreation has posted signage in Gibson Park reminding the public to refrain from touching birds. Park & Recreation employees are also using personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling birds, as instructed by a wildlife veterinarian. Although human HPAI infections are rare, the annual Duck Roundup at Gibson Park has been canceled out of an abundance of caution for the public and Park & Recreation employees. Park & Recreation is working with a wildlife veterinarian to determine the safest time to move the Gibson Park birds indoors for the winter, as the virus is often brought in by birds who only visit the park for a short time (and don’t live in the park).

To protect public health, safeguard wildlife, and prevent the spread of disease, it is always important to observe the following precautions when around wild, domestic, or captive birds and animals in general:

Avoid handling animals that appear sick or that are exhibiting abnormal behaviors.
Do not touch or handle wild birds or carcasses. Investigation of mortality events in wild birds offers wildlife professionals the best opportunity to detect HPAI, and sick or dead wild birds should be reported to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at 406-577-7880.
Keep domestic animals away from wild birds. If your domestic animals become sick, immediately isolate them and contact your veterinarian or the Montana Department of Livestock at 406-444-2976.
Prevent contact between wild or migratory birds and domestic poultry, including access by wild birds to feed and water sources.
House birds indoors to the extent possible to limit exposure to wild or migratory birds, and limit visitor access to areas where birds are housed.
Use dedicated clothing and protective footwear when caring for domestic poultry.
If you must come into contact with birds, maintain good handwashing and other sanitization practices and utilize appropriate personal protective equipment, such as disposable gloves.
If you develop flu-like symptoms after being in contact with wild animals or animals that seem to be sick, contact your doctor’s office or clinic before visiting to ensure the safety of clinical staff and patients.

Additional information on HPAI may be found at:

Press release By CCHD and City of Great Falls: October 9, 2025 – Great Falls, Mt