BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) has detected highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as “bird flu,” in Bernalillo County.
The department made the announcement Friday saying the flu was found in a non-commercial backyard poultry flock. Over 40 birds from a nearly 50-bird flock—including chickens, ducks and geese—have died. “
“Given the extent of avian influenza detections throughout the country, finding it in our state is not unexpected, particularly during this time of year with the onset of bird migrations,” New Mexico State Veterinarian. Dr. Samantha Holeck stated in a news release. “The New Mexico Livestock Board is working closely with the agriculture and health departments to monitor the situation and address issues as they arise.”
State officials said they have quarantined the affected premises. Samples are being sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories for confirmation.
The flu has been detected in domestic cats and wild animals in several states. In New Mexico, there has been one report of HPAI in a domestic cat and a wild skunk in Curry County this year.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that the public health risk associated with these avian influenza detections in birds remains low.
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