By Scout Nelson
Fall bird migration increases the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, spreading from wild birds to domestic poultry and livestock. As migratory birds move through North Dakota, flock owners, livestock producers, and hunters need to take steps to lower the chance of disease transmission.
North Dakota State University Extension specialists encourage commercial producers and backyard flock owners to review their biosecurity plans during the fall migration period. On September 1, 2026, a commercial turkey operation in LaMoure County, North Dakota, confirmed an HPAI case. This is the first recorded case in the state during the fall season.
HPAI is an infectious disease carried by wild birds. Dr. Jake Galbreath, NDSU Extension veterinarian, explained, “HPAI is a disease carried by wild birds that can affect domestic birds and livestock,” he says. “Avian influenza is caused by a Type A influenza virus, which is shed in feces and respiratory secretions of infected birds and can survive for weeks in cool, damp environments.”
Wild birds can spread the virus through feces and respiratory fluids. The virus can also remain in cool and wet areas for an extended period. This makes contact between wild birds and domestic animals an important concern during migration.
Bird migration activity can be followed through BirdCast, an online tool that provides real-time migration predictions. Knowing when large numbers of birds are moving through an area can help animal owners pay closer attention to biosecurity.
Protecting Domestic Flocks
Most HPAI cases in domestic animals involve poultry and dairy cattle. However, the disease can also affect other mammals, including goats and pigs. Cats can become seriously ill and may die after exposure.
Keeping poultry or livestock indoors, when possible, can help reduce contact with wild birds during periods of higher risk. Property owners can also use nonlethal methods to discourage wildlife from entering areas where domestic animals are kept.
Keeping animal areas clean is another important step. Producers should remove spilled feed, food waste, and other materials that may attract wild birds. Reducing wildlife visits can lower opportunities for disease to spread.
People who handle wildlife should also take precautions before returning to domestic animals. They should change into clean clothing, wash their hands, and disinfect their footwear. These steps can help prevent virus particles from being carried into poultry or livestock areas.
Sick or dead wildlife should be reported to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Proper procedures should also be followed when handling or disposing of wildlife carcasses.
Mary Keena, NDSU Extension livestock environmental management specialist, stresses the importance of having a biosecurity plan. “It is your job as an animal owner to create a line of separation between your clean animals and the potentially unclean issues that wildlife or visitors may bring,” says Keena.
Owners should limit access to their property and animals. People who care for animals may need access, but unnecessary visitors should be limited.
Equipment and vehicles can also carry disease particles. After visiting other farms, feed stores or animal facilities, owners should clean and disinfect vehicles and tires before returning to their animals.
New animals should be kept separate from an existing flock or herd for at least 30 days. Tools, lawn equipment and other supplies should not be shared with nearby animal owners unless they are properly cleaned and disinfected.
Hunters Also Need Biosecurity
Fall hunting season creates another possible pathway for disease to reach domestic animals. Hunters who walk through fields, wetlands, or areas used by waterfowl can come into contact with infected feces or other contaminated material.
Hunters should change clothes and footwear before entering areas where domestic animals are kept. Vehicles, boots, and equipment should also be cleaned when they come into contact with areas that may contain wildlife waste.
Hunters should avoid walking or driving through places with large amounts of waterfowl feces whenever possible. If contact cannot be avoided, footwear, vehicles, and equipment should be cleaned carefully.
Field dressing game birds can help reduce the chance of bringing disease home. When possible, birds should be dressed in the field. Plucking or skinning should also be done away from domestic poultry, with feathers properly bagged and disposed of.
Knives, coolers and other hunting equipment should be washed with disinfecting soap away from areas where domestic birds have access. Equipment should then be allowed to dry completely.
HPAI is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to people, although transmission from animals to humans is considered low. Animal owners should still take reasonable precautions when handling potentially infected animals or wildlife.
Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist and disaster education coordinator, reminds animal owners that animals testing positive for HPAI cannot legally enter the commercial marketplace.
“Avian influenza is not a food safety issue when consuming properly cooked meat or eggs and commercial dairy products, which are pasteurized,” says Meehan. “However, there is a risk to individuals consuming raw milk, raw milk cheese and other raw dairy products from cattle that have been exposed to HPAI.”
In 2026, six positive HPAI cases in domestic birds or poultry have been reported in North Dakota, with no reported cases in dairy cattle. Owners who notice sick birds or livestock should contact a local veterinarian or the North Dakota State Veterinarian’s office.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-branex
Categories: North Dakota, Livestock, Poultry