‘Highly Pathogenic’ Bird Flu Detected Near New York City, Farmers on Alert

Chickens are seen inside an enclosure at a farmer's home in a file photo China Out AFP/AFP via Getty Images

A “highly pathogenic” form of bird flu was detected in a backyard flock of chickens in Suffolk County, New York, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The virus was detected in a small, non-commercial backyard block that was not being used for poultry purposes, the agency said.