Small Game - Just what thought

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.