Just what thought

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   Bird flu killing my coyotes.
Yes, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has transitioned to various mammalian predators, including coyotes, often resulting in fatalities after they forage on infected bird carcasses. 
As of January 2026, the following impacts on predators have been confirmed:
Fatalities in Coyotes: Montana has officially reported HPAI in coyotes. While some mammalian infections are considered "dead-end" (meaning the animal dies without spreading it further), the virus is often lethal to the individual scavenger.
Transmission Method: Predators and scavengers typically become infected by consuming dead or sick waterfowl like Canada geese. The virus can remain viable in a deceased bird for several weeks depending on environmental conditions.
Neurological Symptoms: Infected coyotes and other mammals (such as foxes, bobcats, and bears) frequently develop severe neurological issues. Symptoms can include walking in circles, tremors, seizures, and a lack of coordination that mimics rabies.
Wider Scavenger Impact: In Montana, the virus has also been detected in:Foxes, Skunks, and Raccoons: These are among the most frequently affected terrestrial scavengers.
Large Predators: Fatalities and infections have been confirmed in grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, and bobcats.
Birds of Prey: Scavenging birds like bald eagles and hawks are also highly susceptible and frequently die after eating infected geese. 
Safety for Domestic Animals:
Because coyotes and other wild scavengers are dying from this, authorities strongly advise keeping hunting dogs and pets away from any dead or sick waterfowl. In 2025, there were confirmed cases of domestic cats and even a dog dying after interacting with infected birds. Feeding raw meat from harvested game birds to pets is highly discouraged. 

Edited by d4570 - 24 January 2026 at 15:43

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d4570 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List .416 Rigby Joined: 27 January 2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 9961	Post Options Post Reply Quote d4570 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Just what thought Posted: 24 January 2026 at 15:42
	Bird flu killing my coyotes. Yes, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has transitioned to various mammalian predators, including coyotes, often resulting in fatalities after they forage on infected bird carcasses. As of January 2026, the following impacts on predators have been confirmed: Fatalities in Coyotes: Montana has officially reported HPAI in coyotes. While some mammalian infections are considered "dead-end" (meaning the animal dies without spreading it further), the virus is often lethal to the individual scavenger. Transmission Method: Predators and scavengers typically become infected by consuming dead or sick waterfowl like Canada geese. The virus can remain viable in a deceased bird for several weeks depending on environmental conditions. Neurological Symptoms: Infected coyotes and other mammals (such as foxes, bobcats, and bears) frequently develop severe neurological issues. Symptoms can include walking in circles, tremors, seizures, and a lack of coordination that mimics rabies. Wider Scavenger Impact: In Montana, the virus has also been detected in: Foxes, Skunks, and Raccoons: These are among the most frequently affected terrestrial scavengers. Large Predators: Fatalities and infections have been confirmed in grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, and bobcats. Birds of Prey: Scavenging birds like bald eagles and hawks are also highly susceptible and frequently die after eating infected geese. Safety for Domestic Animals: Because coyotes and other wild scavengers are dying from this, authorities strongly advise keeping hunting dogs and pets away from any dead or sick waterfowl. In 2025, there were confirmed cases of domestic cats and even a dog dying after interacting with infected birds. Feeding raw meat from harvested game birds to pets is highly discouraged. Edited by d4570 - 24 January 2026 at 15:43
	Remember: Four boxes keep us free ,the soap box, the ballot box, the jury box, AND the cartridge box

Wing master Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Administrator AKA StraightShooter Joined: 10 June 2003 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 8029	Post Options Post Reply Quote Wing master Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 25 January 2026 at 18:44
	CWD is taking out our deer and elk. Bird flu is taking out coyotes and other scavengers. What's next? Does game and fish or their biologists have a plan for bird flu?
	I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on.

d4570 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List .416 Rigby Joined: 27 January 2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 9961	Post Options Post Reply Quote d4570 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 25 January 2026 at 18:45
	Not that I'm aware of. Sad. How about your state.
	Remember: Four boxes keep us free ,the soap box, the ballot box, the jury box, AND the cartridge box

BEAR Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Administrator Joined: 07 September 2013 Location: Appalachian Mtn Status: Offline Points: 14390	Post Options Post Reply Quote BEAR Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 25 January 2026 at 20:32
	(Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza - HPAI) first case in Pennsylvania last year. in comm chicken farm
	“ The IQ and the life expectancy of the average American recently passed each other in opposite directions.”

Wing master Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Administrator AKA StraightShooter Joined: 10 June 2003 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 8029	Post Options Post Reply Quote Wing master Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 January 2026 at 21:29
	I haven't heard anything about it here but like CWD I'm sure we're having the same problems you are in Montana.
	I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on.