A strain of avian influenza has been detected in a backyard flock of birds in Dallas County, although the virus poses little threat to public health, the Texas Animal Health Commission announced Monday.
Samples were taken from the Dallas flock and tested at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory after the observation of sick birds and bird deaths. The case represents the second flock in Texas to test positive for the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza in 2022.
State officials quarantined the Dallas County property where the disease was detected and destroyed the birds to reduce the risk of the virus spreading. They’re also working with federal animal health officials in responding to the case.
