South Dakota, Minnesota log more cases of avian flu

Nearly 190,000 turkeys affected in latest detections.

Krissa Welshans, Livestock Editor

October 19, 2023

1 Min Read
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U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed more cases of highly pathogenic avian influence on turkey farms in South Dakota and Minnesota this week.

Two separate large turkey operations in South Dakota, one of 49,700 birds in Faulk County and one of 65,000 in McPherson County, are being depopulated after the virus was detected. In Minnesota, a turkey breeder operation of 2,700 toms in Becker County and a meat bird operation of 72,100 birds in Meeker County was affected.

National and state officials continue to urge both backyard and commercial poultry owners to remain on high alert as fall wild bird migration is underway.  

Poultry producers and backyard flock owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if they see any signs or symptoms in their flock:

  • Decrease in feed or water intake

  • Swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, wattle, and hocks

  • Decrease in egg production

  • Sudden, unexplained death

  • Extreme depression

  • Very quiet

  • Difficulty breathing

APHIS has materials about biosecurity, including videos, checklists, and a toolkit available here.

About the Author

Krissa Welshans

Livestock Editor

Krissa Welshans grew up on a crop farm and cow-calf operation in Marlette, Michigan. Welshans earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Michigan State University and master’s degree in public policy from New England College. She and her husband Brock run a show cattle operation in Henrietta, Texas, where they reside with their son, Wynn.

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