Avian Flu dected in Minnesota poultry for the first time in almost 5 months

For the first time since April, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health has confirmed a case of Avian Flu in Minnesota, this time in Redwood County.

The Redwood County commercial flock consists of approximately 20,000 male turkeys, which have begun showing signs of increased mortality. Samples taken on Saturday later tested positive for avian flu.

According to the Board of Animal Health, officials had been working over the summer to eliminate the virus from quarantined sites, so the state could officially declare Minnesota avian flu-free in August.

Their last reported case had been on April 23.

However, September’s positive case means Minnesota’s response teams will continue the fight against avian influenza this fall.

“Though we remain hopeful that we can eliminate HPAI in Minnesota’s poultry stock, this case was not wholly unexpected as we move into the migration season for wild waterfowl,” said Dr. Shauna Voss, Assistant Director of the Board. “Vigilance and robust biosecurity remain the best methods for flock owners to protect poultry from avian influenza.”

Poultry producers and others who keep flocks should contact their veterinarian if they notice any of these signs in their birds, as they may be an indicator of avian flu:

Decrease in feed or water intake.

Swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, wattle, and hocks.

Decrease in egg production.

Sudden, unexplained death.

Extreme depression.

Very quiet.

Difficulty breathing.

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