During a routine test, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health identified H5N2 low pathogenic avian influenza in a Stearns County turkey flock. All flocks are tested for influenza before they are moved to market, and this finding was part of the everyday process of ensuring a safe food supply and protecting Minnesota’s poultry industry from the spread of influenza. The flock of 13-week-old hens has been quarantined and will be tested and monitored until the Board determines the flock is virus-negative, and the turkeys can be controlled marketed.

This is not the same strain of virus that impacted Minnesota and other states in 2015, and thus the Board’s response is different. This strain of influenza in poultry does not pose a public health risk or food safety concern.  Read more

Leave a Reply