South Dakota Turkey Flock Hit by High-path Avian Flu
US - An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza of the H5N2 variant has occurred in a commercial turkey flock in Beadle county, South Dakota.The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Beadle County, South Dakota.
The flock of 53,000 turkeys is located within the Central flyway, where this strain of avian influenza has previously been identified and is highly similar to the other H5 HPAI viruses detected this year.
Samples from the turkey flock, which experienced increased mortality, were tested at the South Dakota State University Animal Disease Research & Diagnostic Laboratory. The APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa confirmed the findings. APHIS is working closely with the South Dakota Animal Industry Board on a joint incident response. State officials quarantined the affected premises and birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.
The South Dakota Department of Health is working directly with poultry workers at the affected facility to ensure that they are taking the proper precautions.
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