Bird Flu Detected in Meeker County Turkey Flock

(KNSI) — The Minnesota Board of Animal Health says one confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in Meeker County.

Authorities say HPAI turned up in a commercial turkey flock affecting 140,000 birds.

Samples were confirmed positive by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. The site is quarantined, and the birds on the premises were depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.

“Unfortunately, HPAI seems to keep popping up during the seasonal migrations in Minnesota,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Brian Hoefs. “Before today’s detection our most recent cases were in the spring of this year. Anyone who has poultry should take this detection as a clear sign to keep a close eye on their flock and initiate your strongest biosecurity practices.”

The USDA says H5N1 has also been detected in South Dakota and Utah.

Poultry is safe to eat, and birds in affected flocks are put down to prevent the spread.

Last year, bird flu cost producers in 47 states 59 million birds. In 2022, more than four million birds in Minnesota were affected.

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