Deadly bird virus found in Arizona

The Associated Press

PHOENIX -- Federal and tribal authorities quarantined a county in western Arizona on Wednesday, one day after announcing that a deadly bird virus had been found on an Indian reservation there.

The order, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Colorado River Indian Reservation, will prohibit birds or items that have come in contact with the infected birds from leaving La Paz County, said Lori Faeth, the governor's natural resources adviser.

The USDA also was expected to quarantine neighboring Yuma County and a portion of Mohave County south of the Grand Canyon.

Exotic Newcastle Disease is caused by a virus found in the droppings, breath and eggs of birds, and is highly contagious. It poses no health risks for humans, but has led to the slaughter of 1.7 million chickens in Southern California and about 1,600 birds in Nevada.