AVIAN INFLUENZA REPORTED IN REDWOOD COUNTY TURKEY FLOCK

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health says cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been reported in a commercial turkey flock in Redwood County.   This is the first detection since April and the state had been declared free of the disease in late August.  The Redwood County flock consisted of around 20,000 Toms and had started to show signs of increased mortality.  Samples taken tested positive for influenza A and the H5 strain.  Board of Animal Health officials say the case isn’t totally unexpected since we’re heading into the migration season for wild waterfowl.  Health officials say poultry continues to be safe to eat.