NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — The bird migration season is driving an increase in detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) across the Midwest, with confirmed cases in commercial duck and commercial turkey flocks in Indiana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Michigan, as reported by APHIS between Friday, Oct. 31, and Monday, Nov. 3.
In Michigan, more than 60,000 commercial turkeys were culled after an outbreak last week. Then, in Indiana, more than 46,000 layers and commercial ducks across multiple outbreaks in Elkhart County were put down after a detection there. State officials there are working with the federal government to put up more surveillance and testing near that site.
In the Upper Midwest, North Dakota experienced an outbreak of commercial turkey disease affecting 24,700 birds. Also, in South Dakota, outbreaks in two turkey flocks in Lamoure and Spink Counties affected 120,100 birds.
APHIS also confirmed two recent cases in Sonoma County, California – a table egg layer flock of 231,000 and a commercial duck breeder with a flock of 567,300.
As spring migration ramps up, USDA officials warn farmers about rising bird flu risks and urge stronger biosecurity measures. Resources are available through APHIS to help protect livestock.
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