Bird Flu Cases on the Rise Again in Minnesota

(KNSI) — Instances of highly pathogenic avian influenza are popping up again around Minnesota.

The state Board of Animal Health says two new cases were reported in Stearns County in September. Both were reported in commercial turkey meat bird flocks. This month, other cases have been reported in commercial turkey meat bird flocks in several counties, including Meeker and Morrison Counties.

Since the first reports of H5N1 came in back in March, 32 Minnesota counties have reported cases affecting 72 commercial flocks and 25 backyard flocks, bringing the number of affected birds in the state to more than 3.6 million.

In central Minnesota, Benton County has had two reported cases, Kandiyohi County has had nine, Meeker County has had eight, Morrison County has had 13, and Stearns County has reported 11 cases.

The Board says any unexplained illness or increase in mortality, decreased egg production, quiet or depressed birds, respiratory or neurologic (twisted necks or quiet) signs of disease should be investigated. Producers and flock tenders should call their veterinarian to describe the symptoms in the flock so the next steps can be taken. If you do not have a veterinarian, contact the Board at 320-231-5170.

The 2022 bird flu outbreak is the worst and deadliest since 2015 when 43 million birds in 15 states were destroyed. This year, there have been 474 confirmed flocks affected, both commercial and backyard, in 40 states affecting 46.44 million birds.

It is highly unlikely that bird flu is transmitted from sick birds to people, but affected flocks are euthanized to prevent sick birds from entering the food supply.