Avian flu discovered in southern Idaho flocks

Avian influenza has been discovered in three falcons and a small, backyard flock of chickens in southern Idaho. The falcons were from a private flock in Canyon County and the infection was the result of recent contact with wild ducks, according to the state Department of Agriculture. That flock has been quarantined, and remaining birds are being tested for the virus. The infected chickens were also from a Canyon County flock. They were killed to prevent the spread of the disease. The H5N2 strain of avian flu is deadly to poultry, but poses little risk to people. However, to reduce the risk of exposure, individuals handling wild and domestic birds should wash their hands after contact and cook all poultry and poultry products thoroughly, officials said. The virus is spread through contact with the feces of infected birds. State officials are urging backyard poultry producers to keep their flocks from having contact with wild birds, including sharing watering and feeding areas.