3-03-2025 6:04pm

Bird flu found in Bernalillo County Backyard Poultry Flock

Chris Edwards Editor

Bird Flu Photo Courtesy USC

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) has detected highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as “bird flu,” in a non-commercial backyard poultry flock in Bernalillo County, New Mexico.

Bird flu is a serious and highly contagious disease affecting birds that can cause significant mortality in both wild and domestic bird populations.

Over 40 birds from a nearly 50-bird flock – including chickens, ducks and geese – have died. State officials have quarantined the affected premises. Samples are being sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories for confirmation.

“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,” said Dr. Samantha Holeck, New Mexico State Veterinarian. “The New Mexico Livestock Board is working closely with the agriculture and health departments to monitor the situation and address issues as they arise.”

Monitoring and prevention

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recommends bird owners should take immediate steps to protect their flocks:

House birds indoors or in wildlife-proof enclosures when possible.
Prevent contact between your birds and wild birds.
Clean and disinfect equipment and clothing after contact with poultry.
Limit visitors to your flock and use dedicated footwear around birds.
Monitor your flock for unusual deaths or illness.
Visit the APHIS Avian Health website for additional backyard flock information.
All commercial and backyard flock cases are listed on the APHIS website.

Avian influenza resources and reporting information for New Mexico

Detailed biosecurity resources for bird owners are available from:

USDA’s Defend the Flock Resource Center website
USDA’s New Mexico Field Offices
New Mexico Livestock Board main office in Albuquerque

Reporting sick animals or unusual deaths in New Mexico

Call the New Mexico State Veterinarian at 505-841-6161.
Call USDA at 866-536-7593 or 505-313-8050.
Call 311 (Albuquerque/Bernalillo County residents).

Risks to pets and people

HPAI 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.

Signs of HPAI in pets may include:

Fever and lethargy
Low appetite
Discharge from the eyes and nose
Difficulty breathing
Neurological symptoms such as tremors, seizures, incoordination or blindness

If your pet shows any signs of illness, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that the public health risk associated with these avian influenza detections in birds remains low. However, take these food safety precautions:

Cook all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165°F
Keep raw poultry and eggs away from other foods
Clean surfaces, utensils, and hands thoroughly after handling raw poultry

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can people get bird flu?
A: While rare, some strains of avian influenza can infect people, usually after close contact with infected birds. The current risk to the general public is considered low.

Q: Is it safe to eat poultry and eggs?
A: Yes, when properly handled and cooked to 165°F. Avian influenza is not transmitted through properly cooked food.

Q: Should I remove my bird feeders?
A: During HPAI outbreaks, people with backyard flocks are advised to temporarily remove bird feeders to prevent wild birds from congregating and potentially spreading the disease to their birds.