The infected bird was a female mallard found in Lincoln County on January 23, 2015. The bird was then taken to the California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory, where it tested positive for HPAI.
NDA will be working with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to monitor the situation. HPAI was confirmed in a commercial turkey flock in California, other cases were reported in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
“So far this is an isolated case,” said Nevada State Veterinarian Michael Greenlee. “If commercial poultry producers or bird owners are concerned about the possible spread to domestic fowl, they need to take the proper steps to limit exposure. Prevent contact between their birds and wild birds.”
If you see a sick bird or an unusual bird death, contact officials immediately. If contact occurs, wash hands with soap and water, and change clothing before having any contact with healthy domestic poultry and birds.
HPAI would have significant economic impacts if detected in U.S. domestic poultry. Commercial poultry producers should follow strict biosecurity practices and raise their birds in very controlled environments.
Call USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593 if there is concern about sick or dying birds. Biosecurity practices for backyard flocks can be found at healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.
