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.