Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in two Minnesota flocks. One in a commercial turkey flock in Meeker County and the other in a backyard mixed species (non-poultry) flock in Mower County.
Birds on the properties will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. APHIS is working closely with state animal health officials in Minnesota on a joint incident response. The affected premises have been quarantined.
Samples from both flocks were tested and the virus was confirmed by the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa.
Minnesota Representative John Burkel (R), a member of the House Ag Committee and a fourth-generation turkey farmer, says poultry remains safe to eat, and the best thing consumers can do to support the state’s poultry industry is to keep buying Minnesota-raised chicken and turkey. He says he’ll continue to work with his colleagues to ensure they’re doing everything they can at the legislative level to support poultry farmers and make sure resources needed to test and respond accordingly and stop the spread of avian flu are available.
The recent HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the US.
