An outbreak of H5N1 strain HPAI was reported in the Municipality of Cajeme in Sonora state.  The flock of 90,000 laying hens was depopulated consistent with policy in Mexico.  Ring immunization will be initiated on surrounding farms as a preventive measure.  SENASICA, the equivalent of USDA-APHIS in Mexico, is encouraging biosecurity and is conducting surveillance.

This report of the first commercial outbreak since spring follows a recent diagnosis of HPAI in migratory birds consistent with previous epornitics in Mexico, Canada and the U.S. among other nations.