Avian Influenza Spreads: 11 Sites in State Hit by Outbreak in October

(KNSI) — The number of sites in the state affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza in October is up to 11.

The first was discovered in Meeker County on October 11th, according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. It has turned up on two other farms in Meeker County, affecting 220,445 birds. All of them were in commercial turkey meat birds. The most recent infection was reported on October 25th. Birds at sites with an H5N1 diagnosis are depopulated to remove them from the food supply. In all, 330,256 have been destroyed this month.

“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.”

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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