By Scout Nelson
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock located in Dickey County.
The detection was verified on August 30 by the South Dakota State University Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory.
State officials, including the Board of Animal Health, are working closely with USDA-APHIS and local authorities to contain the outbreak. The affected premises has been placed under quarantine, and the flock has been depopulated to prevent further spread of the virus. Importantly, none of the birds will enter the food supply.
To reduce risks, domestic bird owners within a 10-kilometre control zone are being contacted and monitored. In addition, all commingling poultry and bird events in Dickey County have been suspended. If no additional cases appear within 30 days, the suspension will be lifted.
Authorities emphasize that there is no immediate threat to public health. While HPAI can cause severe illness and mortality in birds, the risk to humans is considered very low. Human infections are extremely rare, and no cases have been detected in North Dakota.
Dr. Ethan Andress, State Veterinarian, reminds producers that wild birds remain the main carriers of the virus.
He advises farmers to practise strong biosecurity, including restricting property access, keeping wild birds away from domestic flocks, and housing birds indoors during spring and fall migrations.
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring added that the timing of this case is not unexpected, as wild birds begin gathering for migration in the fall. Protecting both commercial producers, who raise around one million birds annually, and backyard poultry owners is a high priority for the state.
Avian influenza is present in many wild bird populations and spreads through contact with infected birds, food, or water. Continued vigilance and strict biosecurity remain essential to protecting North Dakota’s poultry industry.
Photo Credit: istock-peopleImages
Categories: North Dakota, Livestock, Poultry