Five new cases of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza in Minnesota have been confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The new confirmations bring the total in the state, which is located in the Mississippi flyway, to 14.
On April 10, USDA confirmed the following flocks to be infected:
• Cottonwood County - 48,000 turkeys
• Lyon County - 66,000 turkeys
• Stearns County (fourth case) - 45,000 turkeys
• Watonwan County - 30,000 turkeys
On April 11, USDA also confirmed H5N2 bird flu in a commercial turkey flock of 38,000 turkeys in Kandiyohi County, marking that county’s third incident.
Samples from the turkey flocks, which experienced increased mortality, were tested at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, confirmed the findings. APHIS is working with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health on a joint incident response. State officials quarantined the premises and birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.
Monitor avian influenza outbreaks to help keep birds safe with WATTAgNet’s interactive avian influenza map, which tracks confirmed cases of bird flu across North America.
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