3 new avian influenza cases in Minnesota, Iowa

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) on April 30 confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza three additional flocks in Minnesota and Iowa.  The latest cases include two commercial turkey operations and one layer operation.

USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed HPAI H5N2 in the following counties and states:

1. Kandiyohi County, Minnesota – Commercial turkey operation, number of birds affected pending, 24^th infection in the county
2. Stearns County, Minnesota – Commercial layer operation, 202,500 birds affected, 12^th infection in the county
3. Buena Vista County, Iowa – Commercial turkey operation, 50,000 turkeys affected, second infection in the county

While Stearns County has had 12 outbreaks of avian influenza to date, the latest case is the first commercial layer operation there to be affected, according to a report from SC Times. Kandiyohi County remains the county with the largest number of outbreaks in the U.S., with the latest case becoming the county’s 24^th.

APHIS stated that the affected premises have been quarantined and the birds on the properties will be depopulated to help prevent the spread of the virus.

See WATTAgNet's avian influenza map to keep updated on avian influenza outbreaks in the United States and Canada.