KANSAS CITY – The Missouri Department of Conservation confirmed avian influenza, or bird flu, has been detected in an American white pelican in Clay County. “It was found by a pond by a private citizen, and then it was euthanized and tested,” Missouri Department of Conservation spokesman Bill Graham said March 10. “It was just a single, white pelican.” Graham said he could not provide a more specific location. Additionally, the Missouri Department of Agriculture on March 11 stated U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory also had confirmed cases in poultry flocks in Stoddard, Bates, Jasper and Lawrence counties. “(Bird flu) is known to be deadly for domesticated poultry,” Missouri Department of Agriculture information stated. MDoA veterinary officials have quarantined the affected flock “and birds on the property will not enter the food system.” THE SPREAD The departments of conservation and agriculture stated they are attentive to any birds that might…