AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Animal health officials in Texas said Friday bird flu had been confirmed on a chicken farm in the southern part of the state.
The farm has been quarantined, even though the particular viral strain, H5N2, is not believed to be especially dangerous to animals.
Officials with the Texas Animal Health Commission said it poses no risk to humans.
"There is no danger in consuming eggs or poultry meat, and that is the most important point," said Dr. Bob Hillman, Texas state veterinarian and executive director of commission.
In recent weeks, two similar strains of "low pathogenic" bird flu have been detected in the United States.
The H7N2 strain was found in two flocks in Delaware and four of the 35 live chicken markets in northern New Jersey.
The H2N2 strain was detected in a Pennsylvania flock.
The strain devastating the Asian poultry industry and linked to 22 deaths in Asia has been identified as H5N1.
