Bird flu appears to be expanding in Minnesota.
That is according to data from the Board of Animal Health.
Three outbreaks were reported from September 10 through the 15 impacting over 118,000 birds, including at a pair of turkey operations in Big Stone and Becker County. There was also some reported and at a poultry breeder in Otter Tail County.
The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota is reporting that 16 flocks have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza in the past 30 days. That impacts roughly 400,000 birds statewide.
So far, the five affected flocks in Minnesota, along with four in South Dakota and one in Wisconsin, North Dakota, Montana and Idaho, are the only reports of Avian Influenza so far in the U.S. over the last 30 days.
Last winter, bird flu outbreaks in the U.S. helped drive up the price of eggs and poultry.
Minnesota Grocers Association President Patrick Garofalo told WCCO Radio in January that the destruction of those flocks is a primary driver in high prices.
"Consumers and businesses are suffering the consequences of this bird flu epidemic and all the chickens that have been slaughtered as a result of it. And your your independent grocery stores, they're suffering the pain just as much as everyone else."
