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.
Severe drought in South Texas is forcing ranchers to consider cattle sell-offs as feed and water supplies dwindle, threatening herd health and livestock operations.
March 12, 2026 05:09 PM
·
Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins discusses the potential impact of data center growth on farmland, the Landowner Fairness Act, and key priorities for Missouri farmers heading into planting season.
March 12, 2026 03:04 PM
·
OHFB President Bill Patterson shares an update from Washington on the group’s policy priorities and the issues shaping agriculture ahead of the 2026 planting season.
March 11, 2026 03:34 PM
·
Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and Kansas congressman Dan Glickman joined RFD News to share his outlook on agricultural policy, bipartisan cooperation, and the challenges facing farmers today.
March 11, 2026 11:24 AM
·
UNL student fellow Alison Walbrecht shares her perspective on building support for agricultural research, extension, and teaching while gaining hands-on insight into federal policymaking.
March 10, 2026 03:57 PM
·
Jake Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on current cattle market conditions and shares advice for producers seeking to stay protected in an uncertain market.
March 10, 2026 03:08 PM
·
