Minnesota Turkey Farms Face New Flu Outbreaks

By Scout Nelson

The spread of H5N1 avian influenza continues to trouble poultry producers, with new outbreaks confirmed in Minnesota and Utah. Both cases involve commercial turkey farms, a sector already hit hard in recent years.

According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), outbreaks have been rising since late August. Over the past month, 17 commercial farms have reported infections, most in the upper Midwest, leading to the loss of 3.75 million birds.

The latest cases include a flock of 33,000 turkeys in Le Sueur County, Minnesota, and a large layer farm in Wisconsin with more than 3 million birds. Six backyard flocks across several states were also affected.

In Utah, the Department of Agriculture and Food confirmed the virus on a turkey farm in Sanpete County. Kelly Pehrson, DVM, Utah’s state veterinarian, emphasized vigilance: “Commercial turkey facilities in the northern U.S. and here in Utah have been the most impacted by HPAI this fall. With migratory bird season just beginning, we may see a greater impact as the season progresses. It is imperative that poultry producers practice strong biosecurity.”

Meanwhile, Canada is addressing an avian flu outbreak at an ostrich farm in British Columbia. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reported that the ostriches carried a new reassortment of the virus, labeled the D1.3 genotype. This strain is notable because it has previously been linked to a human infection in Ohio earlier this year.

The CFIA explained that its decision to cull the ostrich flock is consistent with international standards. Allowing the infected flock to remain, officials warned of risks mutation and reassortment that could threaten wildlife, livestock, and people.

The updates underscore the complex challenges posed by H5N1, with impacts ranging from commercial poultry production to human health risks. As migratory bird season progresses, experts caution that outbreaks may continue to rise, making strong biosecurity essential for producers.

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