Overview
- Officials said the H5N1 diagnosis followed considerable bird mortality, with confirmation by the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory on December 11.
- The Texas Animal Health Commission and USDA APHIS are leading a joint incident response that includes quarantining the premises and monitoring nearby flocks.
- The CDC assesses low risk to the general public from current avian H5N1 strains, advising proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to 165°F.
- TAHC’s Dr. Bud Dinges urged producers to strengthen biosecurity, keep wild birds away from flocks, watch for illness, and report sudden deaths to TAHC (1-800-550-8242) or APHIS (1-866-536-7593).
- Guidance notes the virus can spread via wild birds and contaminated gear, with some mammals susceptible, and it advises wildlife rehabilitators to quarantine suspect intakes and notify TPWD within 24 hours.