A backyard flock in LeSueur County, Minn., has been depopulated and the site quarantined after confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Samples were confirmed by the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.

Depopulation of the flock is a method to prevent the spread of the disease.

Poultry is safe to eat, and proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F is always advised.

“We were fortunate to get a reprieve from the virus during the past few months,” says Shauna Voss, Minnesota Board of Animal Health senior poultry veterinarian. “We’ve been anticipating the return of the virus and are recalling our partner resources back to the fight. We continue to call on anyone who owns birds to stand up their biosecurity, especially during these next couple months.”

Poultry producers and backyard flock owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if they see any of the following signs or symptoms in their flock:

Biosecurity is paramount to stopping the spread of this and other viruses and disease. Owners of large and small flocks should review their biosecurity measures to maintain the health of their birds.

If you are a veterinarian and receive reports of clinical signs of avian influenza, call the Minnesota Avian Influenza Hotline at 833-454-0156. If it is after hours or on the weekend, call the Minnesota Duty Officer at 800-422-0798.

There are no approved vaccines for HPAI at this time, and the decision to authorize their usage is handled at the federal level. Minnesota’s federal partners are in regular contact with stakeholders and industry on the use of vaccines.

Detections of HPAI in Minnesota are posted on the MBAH website. The board is the official source of information for Minnesota’s response to HPAI.

Source: Minnesota Board of Animal Health