Minnesota Reports Year's First Case of Bird Flu, 114 Chickens Infected

As 114 chickens were confirmed infected, Minnesota reported its first case of bird flu for the year.

Less than four months after it was last discovered in Minnesota, bird flu has returned to the state, according to the Board of Animal Health on Monday.

114 Chickens Infected in Minnesota

According to the board, the detection was reported in a backyard mixed flock in south-central Minnesota's Le Sueur County. To stop the disease from spreading, the area was quarantined, and the 114 birds that were there-mostly chickens-were killed.

The most recent detection in Minnesota also occurred in a backyard flock but in Redwood County in the state's southwest in December.

The senior poultry veterinarian for the board, Dr. Shauna Voss, said in a statement that it is fortunate to have experienced a break from the virus over the past few months. The return of the virus has been anticipated by experts. The team is bringing back its partner resources for the upcoming battle against bird flu.

Voss says they will continue to urge anyone who owns birds to strengthen their biosecurity, particularly for the next few months.

Bird Flu Outbreak

The outbreak started last year, raising the cost of eggs and poultry while requiring the slaughter of over 58 million birds nationwide to stop the virus's spread. There is no near end in sight as the outbreak enters its second year and the wild bird migration season in the spring approaches.

Furthermore, farmers are limited in what they can do beyond what they have already done to try to contain the virus. According to authorities, bird flu doesn't pose a serious risk to human health, News Center1 reports.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was found in domestic poultry, wild birds, and wild foxes in Minnesota during the spring of 2022.

The strain poses no threat to human health and there is no concern regarding the safety of food. Only those who come into contact with the infected birds directly would be at risk for infection.

DNR Action

According to the Department of Natural Resources, they are working together with their partners to coordinate surveillance for any potential HPAI resurgence in wild birds.

The DNR is still dedicated to working with the Board of Animal Health to shed light on the bigger problem. The DNR will continue collaborating with USDA-Wildlife Services to participate in international surveillance programs as funding allows.

Biosecurity Matters

The Board of Animal Health, on the other hand, is reminding farmers of the significance of biosecurity. If you use it consistently, biosecurity can prevent avian influenza. Paying close attention to the boundary line is one of the important factors, as well as being sure to enter and exit flocks using safe practices.

These procedures may be challenging in the spring because of the mud, rain, wind, and other erratic weather conditions. Puddles and other areas of standing water may also entice waterfowl to approach barns even closer. Now is the time to put a lot of emphasis on secure barn entrances.

Outside of the perimeter buffer zone, trash and dead birds should be picked up. One of the most common ways HPAI moves around is through the movement of dead birds and garbage off the farm, therefore, special procedures must be taken seriously, the board reminds.