Bird Flu Found in Minnesota, Again

(KNSI) – A virulent form of bird flu responsible for the euthanization of millions of chickens and turkeys last year has been found again.

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health reports the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza was verified by a federal lab on Monday in a backyard flock in Le Sueur County.

The site was quarantined, and the birds were depopulated to help prevent the spread of the disease. Officials say they’ve been anticipating the virus’s return and are recalling resources for the fight. In 2022, 4,219,806 birds at 110 sites in Minnesota were lost due to HPAI.

Poultry producers and backyard flock owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if they see any signs or symptoms in their flock:

*Extreme depression.
*Very quiet.
*Difficulty breathing.
*Decrease in feed or water intake.
*Swelling or purple discoloration.
*Decrease in egg production.
*Sudden, unexplained death.

A veterinarian who gets a report of clinical signs of avian influenza should call the Minnesota Avian Influenza Hotline at 833-454-0156. If it is after hours or on the weekend, call the Minnesota Duty Officer at 1-800-422-0798.

There are no approved vaccines for HPAI, and the decision to authorize their usage is handled at the federal level.

___