A duck at a national wildlife refuge in southern New Mexico has tested positive for a bird flu strain that's deadly to waterfowl and poultry.
The case is the latest in a growing outbreak of bird flu, especially the highly contagious H5N2 strain affecting poultry in multiple states. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the risk to people to be low.
New Mexico wildlife officials said Tuesday this marks the first time the highly virulent strain has been confirmed in the state.
Kerry Mower with the state Department of Game and Fish says people need to take precautions to protect their domestic chickens and other birds.
Federal officials began testing birds the Bosque del Apache refuge in February and March as part of an expanded surveillance effort. In all, nearly 200 birds were tested.
