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‘Unusual number’ of doves found dead in Montana, disease the culprit

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This article originally appeared on Oil City News. Used with permission.

CASPER, Wyo. — Citizens in Montana have reported an “unusual number” of dead doves “in yards and around neighborhoods this winter.”

Some of the Eurasian collared doves in Montant Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 7 have tested positive for “Pigeon Paramyxovirus PPMV-1,” according to Montana FWP.

“Paramyxovirus outbreaks most commonly involve Eurasian collared doves and rock doves and can cause significant mortality,” Montana FWP said on Jan. 27. “With the increasing populations of Eurasian collared doves in recent years in the U.S., reports of deaths in these species are increasing. Infected birds can shed virus particles for six months or more.”

The same disease strain has been found in North and South Dakota, according to Montana FWP Non-game Biologist Brandi Skone.

“The good news is, pets should be OK,” Skone said. “Folks need to make sure they take precautions when handling any dead birds (i.e. use gloves and wash their hands afterward). Other strains of the virus have been shown to cause conjunctivitis (a minor eye infection) in humans, so again folks should take the necessary precautions when disposing of dead carcasses or cleaning up feces or bird baths used by potentially infected pigeons/doves.”

“There’s also a chance of chickens and game birds contracting the virus. Contraction would happen through contact with bodily fluids (i.e. feces, saliva) of infected pigeons/doves. If dead birds are showing up in people’s yards, they should dispose of them, using necessary precautions (gloves, plastic bags). If they’ve got poultry, they could also clean the area with a 10 percent bleach solution.”   

Montana FWP adds that people who raise poultry in their backyards should be particularly vigilant toward pigeons and doves demonstrating signs of illness. People are encouraged to use seperate food and water sources for their poultry.

“Due to the potential of some PPMV-1 strains to cause mortality in poultry, minimizing contact between free-ranging doves and poultry is advised,” the release adds.

“Skone said if people continue to find dead doves or pigeons, FWP would like to know about it, including a location and number of dead birds. People can contact Skone directly at 406-234-0948 or call the FWP office at 406-234-0900.”


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