LATEST NEWS: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detections in Livestock
On Monday, March 25, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two dairy herds in Texas and two dairy herds in Kansas that had cattle exhibiting decreased lactation, low appetite, and other symptoms.
USDA has since confirmed the presence of HPAI other states. For the latest on the HPAI detection in dairy cattle, visit the USDA website.
Symptoms
- Decreased milk production
- Reduced appetite
- Thickened, discolored milk
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Dehydration
Biosecurity
- Work with your veterinarian to establish a biosecurity plan, or contact our office if you would like additional information on biosecurity programs.
- Keep poultry and birds separate from other species. Goats in Minnesota are believed to have contracted HP AI from infected chicken and ducks that shared water and feed.
- Limit wild bird exposure, especially waterfowl, to your cattle. This includes keeping birds out of feed and water sources wherever possible. The current information suggests there may be multiple cases of wild bird introduction.
- Keep a closed herd. Don't introduce new animals unless necessary. If new animals need to be added, bring them in from known and trusted sources. Keeping incoming cows isolated from the main herd for at least 21-30 days would be highly advised. A Michigan dairy had apparently healthy animals arrive that broke and spread disease into the herd a few days after arrival.
- Monitor for changes in milk production as outlined below. Affected areas are reporting decreases in rumination, feed intake and a drop in milk production in infected cattle.
- Dispose of milk from sick cows. It is important to note pasteurization will destroy the influenza virus in milk. Commercial dairy products sold in the store can be assured safe due to pasteurization.
Information For Dairy Producers
National Milk Producers Federation HPAI Resources
Dairy Biosecurity Recommendations - HPAI and More
FARM Biosecurity
Joint Dairy Organization Statement on HPAI in Cows
FDA Q&A Regarding Milk Safety During HPAI Outbreaks
USDA: APHIS Recommendations for HPAI (H5N1) Virus in Livestock
USDA: APHIS Recommendations for HPAI (H5N1) Virus in Livestock - For Workers
Information for Consumers
CDC Recommendations for the Public
FDA Q&A Regarding Milk Safety During HPAI Outbreaks
FDA Information on Raw Milk
USDA: Detection of HPAI (H5N1) in Dairy Herd FAQs
The Latest on HPAI Confirmations in Commercial and Backyard Flocks
With the recent detections of the Eurasian H5 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild birds and domestic poultry in the United States, bird owners should review their biosecurity practices and stay vigilant to protect poultry and pet birds from this disease. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is working closely with USDA-APHIS on surveillance, reporting and control efforts.
This page will be updated Monday - Friday at noon each day.
HPAI Poultry/Bird Event Restrictions Map
Restrictions related to Co-mingling events in counties with an active control zone and for birds and producers residing within counties or any county that is affected by an active control zone.
How HPAI cases are identified and announced:
There are several steps involved in confirming a poultry flock is positive for a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza. Here is an outline of the process, which includes timing of public notification:
- A poultry producer or backyard flock owner notices unexplained death loss or other signs of illness in his/her birds.
- The individual notifies their veterinarian or an animal health official.
- Samples are collected from the birds on the premises.
- Samples are submitted to the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for preliminary testing.
- The NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory determines if the samples are positive for an H5 or H7 influenza virus.
- If samples are positive for an H5 or H7 virus, they are considered as presumptive positives and are forwarded to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa. NVSL is the only laboratory in the United States that is authorized to officially confirm the presence of a HPAI and identify the specific strain of virus.
- If samples are positive for an H5 or H7 virus, they are considered as presumptive positives and are forwarded to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa. NVSL is the only laboratory in the United States that is authorized to officially confirm the presence of a HPAI and identify the specific strain of virus.
- Once NVSL confirms HPAI, the USDA posts updates on its website.
MORE INFORMATION ON AVIAN INFLUENZA
Flock Owner Support
Farmers/ranchers and their family members experience pressure from all directions. We urge anyone struggling mentally or financially from this HPAI outbreak to reach out for assistance if needed:
- Call 211: a statewide 24-hour helpline
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Reach out to a loved one, friend or clergy member
- Refer yourself or anyone you have concerns about to a local health-care provider or local mental health professional.
Visit the NDSU Managing Stress Hub for more information and resources.
2023 HPAI Cases in North Dakota
Date Confirmed | County | Flock Type | Control Zone Status |
---|---|---|---|
12/28/2023 | McIntosh | Backyard Mixed Flock | Released 1/28/2024 |
11/28/2023 | Dickey | Backyard Chicken Flock | Released 1/3/2024 |
11/27/2023 | Emmons | Backyard Chicken Flock | Released 12/27/2023 |
11/24/2023 | Dickey | Commercial Turkey Flock | Released 1/3/2024 |
11/14/2023 | McIntosh | Backyard Chicken | Released 12/21/2023 |
11/13/2023 | LaMoure | Commercial Turkey Flock | Released 12/22/2023 |
11/9/2023 | McIntosh | Backyard Chicken Flock | Released 12/11/2023 |
10/12/2023 | Golden Valley | Backyard Mixed Flock | Released 11/14/2023 |
10/11/2023 | Williams | Backyard Chicken Flock | Released 11/14/2023 |
4/17/2023 | Dickey | Commercial Turkey Flock | Released 6/1/2023 |
Total number of sites affected: 10
Total number of counties: 6
2022 HPAI Cases in North Dakota
Date Confirmed | County | Flock Type | Control Zone Status |
---|---|---|---|
11/9/2022 | Mountrail | Backyard Chicken Flock | Released 12/6/22 |
11/8/2022 | Ward | Backyard Chicken Flock | Released 12/6/22 |
11/2/2022 | Bottineau | Backyard Mixed Flock | Released 12/5/22 |
10/15/2022 | Traill | Backyard Mixed Flock | Released 10/31/22 |
9/29/2022 | Nelson | Backyard Chicken Flock | Released 10/20/22 |
9/25/2022 | Ransom | Commercial Turkey/Chicken | Released 10/27/22 |
9/21/2022 | Ward | Backyard Chicken Flock | Released 10/6/22 |
8/31/2022 | Cass | Backyard Chicken Flock | Released 9/28/22 |
6/7/2022 | McHenry | Backyard Mixed Flock | Released 6/17/22 |
5/17/2022 | Burke | Backyard Chicken Flock | Released 6/10/2022 |
4/26/2022 | Richland | Backyard Chicken Flock | Released 5/16/2022 |
4/21/2022 | Renville | Backyard Mixed Flock | Released 5/6/2022 |
4/21/2022 | Richland | Commercial Turkey | Released 5/16/2022 |
4/19/2022 | Stutsman | Backyard Chicken Flock | Released 5/4/2022 |
4/14/2022 | LaMoure | Backyard Chicken Flock | Released 5/6/2022 |
4/13/2022 | Barnes | Backyard Mixed Flock | Released 5/12/2022 |
4/12/2022 | Sheridan | Backyard Mixed Flock | Released 5/4/2022 |
4/8/2022 | Stutsman | Backyard Mixed Flock | Released 5/12/2022 |
4/5/2022 | Cass | Backyard Mixed Flock | Released 5/4/2022 |
4/4/2022 | LaMoure | Commercial Turkey/Chicken | Released 5/6/2022 |
4/2/2022 | LaMoure | Commercial Turkey/Chicken | Released 5/6/2022 |
4/1/2022 | Dickey | Commercial Turkey | Released 5/4/2022 |
3/31/2022 | Dickey | Backyard Chicken Flock | Released 5/4/2022 |
3/29/2022 | Kidder | Backyard Mixed Flock | Released 5/4/2022 |
Total number of sites affected: 24
Total number of counties: 17