Current:Home > StocksWill Sage Astor-Nearly 1 million chickens infected with bird flu in Minnesota to be killed, per USDA -Wealth Empowerment Zone
Will Sage Astor-Nearly 1 million chickens infected with bird flu in Minnesota to be killed, per USDA
Rekubit Exchange View
Date:2025-04-10 03:12:55
Nearly 1 million chickens in Minnesota have Will Sage Astorcontracted the bird flu in one flock there, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported this week and under federal guidelines, will be killed in an effort to prevent the disease from spreading.
The highly-contagious avian influenza virus was mainly found at a farm in Wright County, located in the east central part of the state, just northwest of Minneapolis, according to statistics posted on the USDA website and a report from the Associated Press.
Whenever the bird flu is detected in a flock, it must be destroyed to prevent the disease from spreading, according to USDA fact sheet.
As of Tuesday, 1,302,450 birds in the state were infected with the virus that has killed hundreds of thousands of domestic and wild birds across the world, according to information from the USDA and the state's Department of Natural Resources. The virus can cause mild to severe illness in people.
According to the USDA, the virus was also found in flocks in two of Minnesota's four neighboring states of Iowa (162,550 birds) and South Dakota (300,800 birds).
The federal agency also said 26,800 turkeys are slated to be slaughtered at a McPherson County farm in South Dakota, the AP reported, and just under 17,000 birds are set to be killed on two farms in Iowa’s Clay County.
A USDA spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.
What is the bird flu?
The bird flu, is disease caused by a family of flu viruses primarily transmitted between birds.
Avian influenza viruses, according to the CDC and USDA, are classified into two groups: Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) (often seen in wild birds) and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) (found mostly in domestic poultry). According to the Centers for Disease Control, LPAI viruses cause mild or no disease and HPAI cause severe disease and high mortality rates in infected birds.
The bird flu has cost the government roughly $660 million and in recent times raised the price of eggs and poultry. At least 58 million birds have been slaughtered this year to limit the spread of the virus.
Bird flu confirmed in Antarctic region:First cases of bird flu confirmed more than 1,000 miles from South America
What are signs of bird flu?
Indications a bird may be infected with avian influenza include:
- Loss of appetite, lethargy
- Sudden death without prior symptoms
- Eyelid swelling
- Twisting of the head and neck
- Purple discoloration to body parts including waddle and legs
- Stumbling and falling
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Nasal discharge
Bird flu symptoms in humans
Bird flu infections in humans are rare according to the CDC.
The first case of avian influenza in a person in the United States was reported in Colorado in April 2022.
As of Wednesday, according to CDC stats, only four human infections with LPAI viruses had been identified in the United States - and all four people suffered mild-to-moderate illness.
Human infection with the bird flu can happen during close contact with infected birds or when people touch sick birds or their saliva, mucus and feces, the CDC said. People contract the virus when it gets into a their eyes, nose or mouth, or when it is inhaled.
Those who contract the virus often experience mild illnesses including an eye infection and upper respiratory symptoms or no symptoms at all, while others can develop a severe sometimes fatal disease like pneumonia.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.
veryGood! (78)
Related
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- Michigan county refused to certify vote, prompting fears of a growing election threat this fall
- You can send mail from France with a stamp that smells like a baguette
- They couldn't move their hands for years. A new device offers the promise of mobility.
- Jay Kanter, veteran Hollywood producer and Marlon Brando agent, dies at 97: Reports
- 'The Voice': Bryan Olesen moves John Legend to tears with emotional ballad in finale lead-up
- A Christian group allows Sunday morning access to a New Jersey beach it closed to honor God
- Michael Strahan Shares Sweet Video of Daughter Isabella Amid Her Cancer Battle
- Former Milwaukee hotel workers charged with murder after video shows them holding down Black man
- Trump campaign threatens to sue over 'garbage' biopic 'The Apprentice,' director responds
Ranking
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- EPA urges water utilities to protect nation's drinking water amid heightened cyberattacks
- Vanderpump Rules Star Lala Kent Shares Fashion Finds Starting at $7.98
- ‘Historic’ Advisory Opinion on Climate Change Says Countries Must Prevent Greenhouse Gasses From Harming Oceans
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- 14-year-old among four people killed in multi-vehicle crash on I-75 in Georgia, police say
- Former New Hampshire youth center leader defends tenure after damning trial testimony
- Untangling Zac Brown and Kelly Yazdi’s Brief Marriage and Complicated Breakup
Recommendation
Hidden Home Gems From Kohl's That Will Give Your Space a Stylish Refresh for Less
‘Top two’ primary election measure makes South Dakota’s November ballot
9 more people killed in attacks on political candidates as violence escalates days before elections in Mexico
Jennifer Lopez Briefly Brings Up Ben Affleck Amid Split Rumors
Connie Chiume, Black Panther Actress, Dead at 72: Lupita Nyong'o and More Pay Tribute
DOJ sues Oklahoma over new law setting state penalties for those living in the US illegally
Trump-backed legislator, county sheriff face off for McCarthy’s vacant US House seat in California
Report says home affordability in Hawaii is ‘as bad as it’s ever been’