New Mexico Duck Tests Positive for Bird Flu

A duck from the Bosque Del Apache National WIldlife Refuge in Southern New Mexico has  tested positive for a very violent strain of the bird flu. The case of the affected duck is the latest in a growing outbreak especially of the violent H5N2 strain of the bird flu that has been affecting poultry in many surrounding states.

The New Mexico Department of WIldlife is putting out caution to people who have domesticated birds to keep them away from any wildlife contact. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the risk to people to be low but still caution individuals to stay away from the wildlife refuge.

Although most of the migratory birds have left the Bosque Refuge and the duck that was tested was more than likely passing through New Mexico, federal Wildlife agents stress the low risk to people through infected poultry that can be purchased in stores.