Montana Monitors Avian Flu as Virus Spreads to Animals

Seeing the price of eggs in Montana is a daily reminder of the impact that Avian Flu (H5N1 virus), also known as "Bird Flu," has had on the industry which has been hitting a lot of us in the wallet.

Cases of the "bird flu" continue to rise and not only has the virus spread to animals, but it has spread to humans too. So far no human cases have been reported in Montana. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), there have been sixty-eight human cases reported and one death. Some of the human cases are being reported in Washington, Colorado, Oregon, and Nevada. The CDC currently has the public health risk level at "low".

Though Montana hasn't had any reported human cases, there have been reports of animals being infected. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Montana has seen cases of the H5N1 virus in bears, skunks, wild cats, and even domesticated cats. Montana hasn't seen any reported cases of the virus being found in dogs yet.

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Most of the reported cases of the virus in humans are from people working in the poultry or cattle industry.

Bird flu symptoms in humans can range from mild to severe, according to the CDC. Symptoms can include:

• mild flu-like upper respiratory symptoms
• eye redness
• fever with a temperature of over 100 degrees
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• headaches
• body aches

Some of these symptoms are similar to Influenza A and B that can be found in humans. If you have any of these symptoms you should consult your physician. They will be able to test which strain you may have and treat you. According to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, there has been an increase in flu cases statewide, with over 1,400 cases reported in one week. Flu season in Montana isn't over, please be safe.