{"id":30562,"date":"2023-11-21T19:29:11","date_gmt":"2023-11-22T02:29:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.durangoherald.com\/tj\/avian-flu-found-in-backyard-flock-in-san-juan-county\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T01:21:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T07:21:06","slug":"avian-flu-found-in-backyard-flock-in-san-juan-county","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.durangoherald.com\/tj\/avian-flu-found-in-backyard-flock-in-san-juan-county\/","title":{"rendered":"Avian flu found in backyard flock in San Juan County"},"content":{"rendered":"All but one chicken dies from the illness\n

\"In
In this file photo, chickens feed in a backyard in Colorado. In San County New Mexico, avian flu has killed all but one chicken in a flock of 14. (Journal file photo)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

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.<\/p>\n

New Mexico officials quarantined the premises, and \u201cthe chance of spread is extremely low,\u201d said Shelton Dodson, director of public affairs for the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is just a small flock and it is isolated,\u201d Dodson said.<\/p>\n

Samples from the San Juan County flock were tested by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Avian flu is highly pathogenic, meaning its spreads easily, but typically comes from migrating water foul, according to the New Mexico Livestock Board\u2019s State Veterinarian Samantha Uhrig, who said \u201cmigrating water foul\u201d are causing risk to backyard flocks.<\/p>\n

All bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe main thing is for people who live along waterways where there might be waterfowl migration, would be to keep your chickens indoors,\u201d Uhrig said.<\/p>\n

Uhrig said there are things to look for if you suspect avian flu.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe initial thing is if they stop eating or their behavior changes,\u201d she said. \u201cMost people with backyard flocks know how their birds behave.\u201d<\/p>\n

The chickens could show any sign of illness including being \u201cweak or lethargic,\u201d Uhrig said, adding the illness spreads quickly and owners \u201cmight not have an opportunity to help their chickens.\u201d<\/p>\n

If the flock shows any sign of illness, a person should \u201ccontact their veterinarian right away and get guidance from their vet,\u201d Uhrig said. \u201cIf the birds end of dying, contact the vet board.\u201d<\/p>\n

The New Mexico State Veterinarian can be reached at (505) 841-6161 or (505) 414-2811, or call the USDA at (866) 536-7593.<\/p>\n

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the public health risk associated with avian influenza remains low<\/a>; however, when preparing any type of poultry for consumption there are a few safety guidelines to follow.<\/p>\n

All poultry and eggs should be cooked to the internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit as a general food safety precaution.<\/p>\n

Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found on the APHIS Avian Health website.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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