Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza killed more than four million birds in the Dakotas and Minnesota this spring. North Dakota had 15 flocks effected by the virus; South Dakota reported 40 cases and Minnesota had 80 HPAI cases. “This is an increase in cases here in South Dakota and across the United States when we compare 2022 and 2015,” said South Dakota State Veterinarian Beth Thompson. South Dakota did not ban poultry events, but Minnesota and North Dakota did. Minnesota lifted their ban on July 1 while the ban remains in effect in North Dakota through September 7. Minnesota State Veterinarian Shauna Voss encourages poultry farmers to stay vigilant. “Prior to that fall migration time, that’s a really good time and a really important time to review your biosecurity plan.” North Dakota State Veterinarian Ethan Andress says there is still a lot to learn about this virus. “We’re going to have other strains that come through in the future and so we just have to keep learning.”
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