Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a disease that is carried by wild birds and affects domestic poultry. With more than 19 million birds in flight and spring migration currently underway, now is the time for poultry farmers to ramp up biosecurity efforts.

“A total of eight positive cases have been confirmed in South Dakota since March 6,” says Miranda Meehan, North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. “The risk for more infected birds will increase as migratory birds start returning to the area.”
“HPAI does not pose a risk to the public, and there is no food safety concern for consumers,” says Meehan. “Poultry testing positive for HPAI are prohibited by law from entering the marketplace.”