Poultry Farmers Urged to Stay Alert This Fall

By Scout Nelson

Avian influenza has been confirmed at a North Dakota turkey farm, marking the state’s first commercial flock outbreak of the season. The case was reported in Dickey County, near the South Dakota border.

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture announced that the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed on Saturday. As a result, 60,000 turkeys were destroyed to stop the spread of the disease.

“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 in a statement.

State veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress explained that the depopulation of the birds was necessary to protect other flocks in the area. Rapid action is considered essential to preventing the virus from spreading to additional farms.

Avian influenza is a contagious viral disease that affects bird populations. It is often spread by migratory wild birds during seasonal movements. Commercial flocks are especially vulnerable when migration brings infected wild birds into closer contact with poultry farms.

The outbreak in Dickey County highlights the ongoing risk of avian flu to the state’s poultry industry. While North Dakota avoided large-scale outbreaks earlier in the summer, state officials had warned producers to stay cautious as fall approached.

Officials continue to encourage poultry producers and backyard flock owners to practice strict biosecurity measures. These include limiting bird exposure to wild species, cleaning equipment regularly, and reporting any sudden increases in illness or deaths among birds.

Although avian flu poses little risk to human health when proper precautions are taken, the economic impact on farmers and communities can be severe. The loss of 60,000 turkeys is a reminder of the importance of vigilance during migration season.

North Dakota agriculture leaders are working closely with producers to monitor the situation and ensure that protective steps are in place for the rest of the season.

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