State of Minnesota’s first cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza include Mower County

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health is confirming the state’s first cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).  Samples from backyard chickens, ducks and geese in Mower County, and from a commercial turkey flock in Meeker County tested positive Friday.  State Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says they have staff and equipment to handle this outbreak along with state and federal partners: 

Petersen says affected flocks are depopulated to prevent the virus from spreading and barns must be cleaned and disinfected before they can be used again.