By Scout Nelson
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard chicken flock in Stutsman County. The confirmation came from the North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
Officials from the State Board of Animal Health and the Department of Agriculture are working with the USDA-APHIS and local teams to manage the situation. The affected premises has been placed under quarantine, and the flock is being safely depopulated to stop the virus from spreading further.
A 10-kilometre control zone has been established around the affected location. Domestic bird owners within this zone are being contacted and monitored for signs of illness in their flocks. It has been confirmed that no birds from this flock will enter the food system.
As a preventive measure, poultry or bird events involving birds from or within Stutsman County have been suspended. This suspension will be lifted automatically after 30 days if no new cases are reported
Officials have assured the public that there is no current health risk to humans. The HPAI virus rarely infects people, and no human cases have been identified 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.”
“This is the first case of HPAI in poultry in the state this year,” added Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring.
Wild birds can spread avian influenza through direct contact or contaminated food and water.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-wikoski
Categories: North Dakota, Livestock, Poultry