Deadly Pathogen Hits Commerical Flock In North Dakota

An update to the September 22nd story reporting influenza discovery in domestic flocks

Monday 9/2622, there was confirmation of avian influenza in a commercial turkey and chicken flock in Ransom County, North Dakota. This led to a suspension of all comingling bird events in surrounding counties as well.  Also, the depopulation of the entirety of the commercial flock has been ordered before the birds can enter the food system.

There is no immediate public health concern.

But this spread is more than likely to have serious effects on the health of birds across the state. This is in addition to wild birds that hunters are looking to "depopulate" during the upland and waterfowl seasons.

This fall is working out to be a bad time to be a bird

Here's the story from last week

Just when we were hoping avian influenza had flown the coop, the devastating pathogen migrated back to the state.  In the Spring, avian influenza had appeared in 400 flocks in nearly 40 states.  It led to the termination of over 40 million birds. Now the so-called bird flu has been detected in multiple counties in North Dakota. This is from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture

The State Board of Animal Health and the North Dakota Department of Agriculture are working closely with USDA-APHIS and local officials in the response. The premises has been quarantined and the flock is being depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system

DEPOPULATED?

We maybe learned a new word today.  The rooster is right to be concerned about depopulation.  Especially if he and his friends live in Ward County.  Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was detected in a non-commercial backyard flock in Ward County. That led to the destruction of the birds and the suspension of any poultry events in adjoining counties Burke, Mountrail, McLean, McHenry, and Renville.

This new report follows HPAI detection in late August in eastern North Dakota.

The cases in Cass County also involved a non-commercial backyard chicken operation. Needless to say, that flock also learned about depopulation.  The risk to people from avian influenza is minimal but it sure is deadly for birds. It is certainly not just a threat to domestic poultry but all manner of wild birds as well.  If you notice sick or dead birds you're asked to contact North Dakota Game and Fish.