Bird Flu in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho state agencies have begun sampling wild bird populations for the deadly H5N1 type of bird flu.

Today, the White House said the bird flu strain found in some wild mute swans in Michigan is similar to types that have turned up before in North America.

Tests are continuing, but it appears to be a less worrisome strain than H5N1. This is good news at this time concerning the bird flu, but it is a matter of time before the bird flu hits Idaho.

Wild migratory birds are expected to be the first place where the avian flu may show up in North America this year.

The Idaho Departments of Fish and Game, Health and Welfare and Agriculture say they are planning to work together on sampling wild ducks and other birds bagged by hunters this fall at special check stations around the state.

Bird Flu in Idaho

Tags: Idaho Bird Flu, H5N1, Avian Flu