The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or "bird flu," in a non-commercial backyard poultry flock located in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. This serious and contagious disease can lead to high mortality rates among both wild and domestic bird populations.
In this case, over 40 birds from a flock of nearly 50, which included chickens, ducks, and geese, have died. State officials have imposed a quarantine on the affected premises while samples are sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories for further confirmation.
Dr. Samantha Holeck, New Mexico State Veterinarian, noted that "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." She added that "The New Mexico Livestock Board is working closely with the agriculture and health departments to monitor the situation and address issues as they arise."
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) advises bird owners to take protective measures such as housing birds indoors or in wildlife-proof enclosures when possible, preventing contact between domestic birds and wild birds, cleaning equipment and clothing after contact with poultry, limiting visitors to flocks, using dedicated footwear around birds, monitoring for unusual deaths or illnesses among their flocks, and consulting APHIS Avian Health resources online for additional information.
Biosecurity resources for bird owners can be accessed through USDA’s Defend the Flock Resource Center website as well as USDA’s New Mexico Field Offices. Reporting sick animals or unusual deaths in New Mexico can be done by calling the New Mexico State Veterinarian at 505-841-6161 or USDA at 866-536-7593 or 505-313-8050. Albuquerque/Bernalillo County residents may also call 311.
Regarding risks to pets and people, HPAI has been found in domestic cats and wild animals across several states. In New Mexico specifically, there has been one report each involving a domestic cat and a wild skunk in Curry County this year. Symptoms in pets include fever, lethargy, low appetite, eye and nose discharge, breathing difficulties, neurological symptoms like tremors or seizures.
Pet owners noticing these signs should contact their veterinarian immediately. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that some strains of avian influenza can infect humans following close contact with infected birds but considers current risk levels low for the general public.
Food safety precautions recommended include cooking all poultry products to an internal temperature of 165°F while keeping raw poultry separate from other foods during preparation.
