NEWS: What You Can Do to Prevent the Spread of Bird Flu; Detection of H5N1 in backyard flock highlights risk of spread
San Mateo County, California sent this bulletin at 02/04/2025 01:53 PM PST
Feb. 4, 2025
For Immediate Release
What You Can Do to Prevent the Spread of Bird Flu
Detection of H5N1 in backyard flock highlights risk of spread
Redwood City —The California Department of Food and Agriculture has confirmed the presence of H5N1 (bird flu) in a backyard poultry flock in San Mateo County. While there are currently no human cases of H5N1 from this flock, the detection of the disease highlights the risk of H5N1 to anyone who handles, lives or works near birds, including residents who keep small flocks in their yards.
San Mateo County’s Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures is advising backyard poultry owners to watch for signs of avian influenza in their flock and to take appropriate biosecurity measures such as washing hands before and after handling birds and disinfecting footwear to reduce the risk of spreading bird flu.
“It’s important for residents who keep chickens and other birds in their yards to protect their flock and themselves from H5N1. There are simple actions every flock owner can take to prevent the disease from spreading,” said Koren Widdel, San Mateo County’s agricultural commissioner.
