Dove deaths attributed to paramyxovirus

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has had reports from citizens about an unusual number of dead Eurasian collared doves in yards and around neighborhoods this winter. FWP Region 7 submitted some of the dead birds for testing, and results have come back positive for Pigeon Paramyxovirus PPMV-1.

Paramyxovirus outbreaks most commonly involve Eurasian collared doves and rock doves and can cause significant mortality. 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...