Bird flu confirmed in 2 Idaho counties

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game confirmed multiple cases of avian influenza or “bird flu” in Canyon and Gooding Counties Tuesday.

While there is little risk of humans contracting the virus, wildlife and health officials are urging caution.

“There’s always the potential risk of human exposure to this virus,” said Dr. Mark Drew, a wildlife veterinarian with Fish and Game.

Drew said in Canyon County, three falcons from a private flock as well as backyard poultry flock had to be quarantined after it was confirmed they were infected in the H5N2 virus.

There’s also another strain of the virus — the H5N8 — which has infected several wild ducks in Gooding County.

Officials are calling both strains “highly pathogenic.”

All the birds identified as having bird flu are believed to have come in contact with wild waterfowl. Drew said you should keep wild birds away from poultry and pets.

Should you have to handle wild waterfowl, the Southeastern Idaho Public Health District recommends washing your hands.

The avian influenza has already hit four nearby states including Utah, California, Oregon and Washington.