Heads Up People This Is Everywhere !!!Avian influenza confirmed in Idaho H5N1

[link to www.idahostatejournal.com]

The H5N2 strain of avian influenza virus was confirmed in three falcons from a private, non-commercial flock in Canyon County, Idaho and was a result of recent contact with wild waterfowl. The flock is currently under quarantine and additional viral testing is being conducted on the remaining birds. Additionally, a small backyard poultry flock in Canyon County, Idaho was identified as having chickens positive for H5N2. That flock was immediately put under quarantine and the birds have been depopulated.

“Both the H5N8 and H5N2 strains of HPAI confirmed in Idaho have previously been identified in incidents in backyard domestic poultry and wild fowl in other northwestern states. It is critical that backyard flock owners and poultry producers take every opportunity to prevent contact between domestic birds and the wild waterfowl that carry the avian influenza virus” said Dr. Bill Barton, ISDA State Veterinarian.


WDFW is asking for anyone who finds a sick or dead wild bird to immediately call 800/606-8768. Waterfowl are carriers of the disease, but predatory birds like hawks, falcons and eagles can spread the flu as well.

The WDFW is also asking hunters to submit their harvested birds for a brief test. The department is focusing its efforts on Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston and Clark counties.

“The sampling procedure takes less than a minute per bird. It will help us determine the prevalence of the disease in wild birds,” said Don Kraege of the WDFW. “Waterfowl are carriers of the disease, but often don’t show symptoms. The primary risk is to domestic chickens and turkeys.”
[link to www.thenorthernlight.com]



I will tell you people are dying in other countries , do not touch a dead bird