Avian flu was found in a noncommercial backyard flock of chickens in San Juan County, and all but one of the 14 birds have died, according to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.
New Mexico officials quarantined the premises, and “the chance of spread is extremely low,” said Shelton Dodson, director of public affairs for the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.
“This is just a small flock and it is isolated,” Dodson said.
Samples from the San Juan County flock were tested by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s Veterinarian Diagnostic Services Division in Albuquerque as well as the Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, to confirm the presence of avian flu.
Avian flu is highly pathogenic, meaning its spreads easily, but typically comes from migrating water foul, according to the New Mexico Livestock Board’s State Veterinarian Samantha Uhrig, who said “migrating water foul” are causing risk to backyard flocks.
All bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds.
“The main thing is for people who live along waterways where there might be waterfowl migration, would be to keep your chickens indoors,” Uhrig said.
Uhrig said there are things to look for if you suspect avian flu.
“The initial thing is if they stop eating or their behavior changes,” she said. “Most people with backyard flocks know how their birds behave.”
The chickens could show any sign of illness including being “weak or lethargic,” Uhrig said, adding the illness spreads quickly and owners “might not have an opportunity to help their chickens.”
If the flock shows any sign of illness, a person should “contact their veterinarian right away and get guidance from their vet,” Uhrig said. “If the birds end of dying, contact the vet board.”
The New Mexico State Veterinarian can be reached at (505) 841-6161 or (505) 414-2811, or call the USDA at (866) 536-7593.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the public health risk associated with avian influenza remains low; however, when preparing any type of poultry for consumption there are a few safety guidelines to follow.
All poultry and eggs should be cooked to the internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit as a general food safety precaution.
Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found on the APHIS Avian Health website.
