Central ND News

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock located in Dickey County. The confirmation came from the South Dakota State University Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory on August 30.

In response, the State Board of Animal Health and the North Dakota Department of Agriculture are working with USDA-APHIS and local officials. The affected premises have been quarantined, and the flock has been depopulated to help contain the disease. Authorities are monitoring domestic birds within a 10-kilometer control zone around the farm. None of the birds from this flock will enter the food supply.

As a result of this detection, all poultry or bird commingling events in Dickey County, as well as those involving birds from Dickey County, have been suspended. If no new cases are found within 30 days, these restrictions will be lifted automatically for the county.

Officials say there is no immediate public health risk associated with this case. According to public health data, human infections with HPAI remain rare in the United States, and no cases have been reported in North Dakota.

“The HPAI virus continues to circulate in wild birds. Waterfowl continue to be the primary concern, but any wild birds can potentially spread the virus,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress. “Remember to restrict access to property, keep wild birds away from other birds and practice enhanced biosecurity. Birds should be kept indoors, especially during the spring and fall migration.”

“After a quiet summer, it’s not unexpected that we have another case of HPAI as birds are gathering to begin the fall migration,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “Protecting our North Dakota producers, who raise approximately 1 million commercial birds annually, and our many backyard bird owners is high priority.”

Avian influenza is commonly found among wild bird populations and can spread through direct contact or contaminated food and water sources.

For further information about avian influenza, resources are available at www.ndda.nd.gov/avian-influenza and www.aphis.usda.gov. Updates on future detections in North Dakota will be posted at www.ndda.nd.gov/hpai.