The Kansas Department of Agriculture has identified two more counties with confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.
The cases were found in non-commercial backyard mixed-species flocks in rural Sedgwick County and in Dickinson County. State officials are working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on a response. Birds on both properties will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.
Cases of bird flu have been reported in Missouri, and activity was also reported in Franklin County in eastern Kansas.
State officials say this is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, turkeys and other birds, and it can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. Poultry owners are urged to watch for symptoms that include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, lack of energy and appetite, and decreased egg production.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says the recent cases do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. Birds and eggs from infected flocks will not enter the food system.
