Federal animal health officials have recorded seven H5N1 avian influenza detections in commercial poultry operations since the start of September, concentrated in turkey country across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Idaho, according to USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service data compiled in a CIDRAP roundup of the latest detections.
The largest was a commercial turkey operation in McPherson County, South Dakota, affecting 61,300 birds. A facility in Turner County, South Dakota, accounted for 43,800 turkeys; a LaMoure County, North Dakota, operation for 41,600 commercial birds; and a Wright County, Minnesota, turkey facility for 29,800. A commercial poultry breeding operation in Edmunds County, South Dakota, housed 30,200 birds. Idaho confirmed two backyard outbreaks in Canyon and Gem counties.
