A highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in New London County, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture announced today.

The department says the virus was found in a noncommercial, nonpoultry backyard flock of birds in New London County.

Officials warn Connecticut poultry producers and hobbyists to practice biosecurity measures to prevent spread of the disease

They say Avian influenza does not present an immediate public health concern.

No human cases have been connected to the discovery of the particular strain of avian influenza virus that has been detected in the United States.

They say proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees kills bacteria and viruses.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recent detections of this strain of influenza in birds in Connecticut and several other states present a low risk to the public.