Sixty Eight Sites in Minnesota Reporting Bird Flu Infections

(KNSI) — The Minnesota Board of Animal Health says there are now 68 sites in Minnesota reporting highly pathogenic avian influenza infections.

The board says 2.72 million birds have been affected across 22 counties.

There are 35 sites across Benton, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Morrison, and Stearns Counties affecting backyard flocks and commercial meat, breeder, and egg operations. When a bird flu infection has been identified, the flock is depopulated to prevent sick animals from entering the food supply. There is a low risk of humans contracting avian influenza. Experts say poultry and poultry products are safe to consume.

It’s not just commercial and backyard flocks affected. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it is coordinating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Plant and Animal Health Inspection Service to conduct surveillance for HPAI in wild birds. Officials with the University of Minnesota Raptor Center say there have been more than five dozen confirmed cases among raptors. That included great horned owls, a barred owl, bald eagles, and a turkey vulture. All but one with a positive test died or was put down. Songbirds, crows, and geese are also being sickened.

The latest outbreak was first discovered in Minnesota on March 25th.

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