Governor Mark Dayton recently issued Emergency Executive Order 15-09, declaring a Peacetime State of Emergency in Minnesota in response to the discovery of H5N2 avian influenza cases statewide.

Related: Avian flu timeline: A recap of HPAI headlines

Under the Governor's Executive Order:
•The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will activate the Minnesota Emergency Operations Plan to support the efforts of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, to coordinate response efforts across all agencies of state government.

Minnesota governor issues emergency order for avian flu

•Supplementing Emergency Executive Order 15-06 extending relief to certain motor vehicle drivers and carries pertaining to hours of service, in addition to the previous exemption of weight restriction.

•And the Adjutant General of Minnesota will order to state active duty such personnel and equipment of the military forces of the State as required, and for such a period of time as necessary to provide assistance and emergency relief services.

Read a copy of Emergency Executive Order 15-09 here.

In other news regarding avian flu:
USDA April 23 confirmed the presence of H5N2 HPAI in two more Minnesota flocks. Pipestone County had its first flock affected and it also was the first detection in backyard poultry in Minnesota; Kandiyohi had its 10th detection.

Forty-six farms in 16 counties have been impacted as of April 23.

As flocks are confirmed, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health provides information on its website at www.mnairesponse.info

And a reminder: For those dealing with the stress of loss, there is help available at Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Farmer Assistance Network, 1-877-898-6326 or e-mail at [email protected]