Stout said the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, confirmed the presence of H7N9 low pathogenic avian influenza in samples taken from the Christian County site, after it was initially detected by the Murray State University Breathitt Veterinary Center in Hopkinsville, during a routine pre-slaughter test last week.

The first flock was located at a commercial poultry operation in Pickens County, while the second was a backyard flock in Madison County. Each year, the Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory tests approximately 22,000 samples from poultry for avian influenza.

The stop movement order reads: "all poultry exhibitions in the State of Alabama are prohibited until this order is lifted by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI)".

Olson says it's important that producers and state and federal officials remain diligent in battling against any future highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks. In addition, the concentration, collection, or assembly of poultry of all types, including waterfowl and wild and exotic birds, from one or more premises, at a private or public place, for purposes of sale is prohibited until this order is lifted by ADAI. This order remains in effect.

Dr. Hatcher advises owners of backyard and commercial flocks to avoid transporting or comingling birds.

Officials say none of the infected birds have entered the food chain.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said a flock of 84,000 turkeys had been confirmed with a low-pathogenic bird flu virus in Wisconsin. Stout said. The company that operates the farm is conducting additional surveillance testing on other commercial facilities it operates within that area.