Two cases of bird flu have been detected in Sedgwick, Dickinson counties, Kansas says
Two cases of bird flu have been detected in rural Sedgwick and Dickinson counties.
Samples were taken from birds that showed symptoms of the flu in “backyard mixed-species” flocks in both counties, according to news release from the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
Bird flu is formally known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
The cases announced Friday were confirmed by the national Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. Officials say the affected areas have been quarantined and flocks will be reduced to prevent the spread of the disease.
KDA is asking anyone involved with poultry production, whether in a small backyard or a commercial operation, to “review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds,” the news release read.
Contact your veterinarian if birds start to show symptoms.
To learn the symptoms of bird flu or find out about new cases, visit www.agriculture.ks.gov or call 833-765-2006.
The Sedgwick County Zoo announced the temporary closure of some of its bird exhibits on March 9 after a positive case of the avian flu was detected in Kansas.
No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States.
“Bird flu infections among people are rare,” the CDC website says.