Bird Flu resurfaces in South Dakota turkey flocks

After nearly two months of relative calm, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has reemerged in the U.S. poultry industry, striking a commercial turkey farm in Faulk County, South Dakota.

David Corredor

After nearly two months of relative calm, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has reemerged in the U.S. poultry industry, striking a commercial turkey farm in Faulk County, South Dakota. The outbreak, confirmed on August 28 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), marks the first detection of H5N1 avian flu at a U.S. commercial poultry facility since early July.

• The affected farm houses approximately 55,400 turkeys, making this a significant event in the ongoing battle against avian influenza.
• The last commercial outbreak occurred at a game bird facility in Pennsylvania, and prior to that, sporadic detections were reported in backyard flocks and live-bird markets across the country.
• While warmer months typically see a decline in cases, this resurgence highlights the virus’s persistent threat.

HPAI is known for its devastating impact on poultry, often leading to mass culling to prevent further spread. The virus spreads easily among birds and has also been detected in wild animals, dairy cows, and even domestic cats over the summer. These cross-species transmissions raise concerns about the virus’s potential to mutate and pose risks to human health.

Faulk County had not reported an HPAI outbreak since November 2024, making this incident particularly alarming for local producers. The economic implications are substantial, as outbreaks often lead to supply chain disruptions and increased prices for poultry products.

• Globally, the situation remains tense.
• The United Kingdom has reported a rise in H5N1 detections since late July, with new cases in Devon and Somerset.
• These international developments underscore the need for continued vigilance and robust biosecurity measures.

Experts emphasize the importance of early detection and rapid response. Dr. Sunil Mor, a virologist at South Dakota State University, likens his lab’s role to a “security checkpoint” for animal diseases. His team is actively developing diagnostic tools to identify emerging threats like avian metapneumovirus, which recently caused significant losses in Minnesota’s turkey industry.