Peace Garden News

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard chicken flock in Stutsman County. This confirmation was received from the North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

Efforts to contain the outbreak are being coordinated by the State Board of Animal Health, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, USDA-APHIS, and local officials. The affected premises have been quarantined and the flock is being depopulated to prevent further spread. A 10 km control zone has been established around the farm, where domestic birds are being monitored. Birds from this flock will not enter the food system.

In response to the detection, poultry and bird events in Stutsman County and involving birds from the area have been suspended. This suspension will be automatically lifted if no new cases appear within 30 days.

The public health risk from this finding is considered low, as avian influenza rarely affects humans. No human cases have been detected in North Dakota. As Dr. Ethan Andress, State Veterinarian, stated, “The HPAI virus continues to circulate in wild birds. Waterfowl continue to be the primary concern, but any wild birds can potentially spread the virus.” He advised restricting access to property, keeping wild birds away, and practicing enhanced biosecurity, particularly during bird migration periods.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring remarked, “This is the first case of HPAI in poultry in the state this year.” He emphasized the priority of protecting North Dakota's bird populations, both commercial and backyard.

HPAI exists in various wild birds and can be spread through contact with infected birds or by consuming contaminated food and water. Further information on avian influenza is available on the North Dakota Department of Agriculture's website and the USDA-APHIS website. Updates on any new HPAI detections in North Dakota will also be posted online.