Bird Flu found in Cass County chicken flock, concern growing of flu return in Minnesota too

Photo by: WDAY Radio Staff
Photo by: WDAY Radio Staff

(Cass County, ND) -- North Dakota veterinary officials are confirming that avian influenza has been found in a Cass County non-commercial, backyard chicken flock.

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture says the area has been quarantined and the flock is being depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.

The number of cases dropped off over the summer, but officials warn it could spread again in the Fall.

In the meantime, the sentiment is shared across the Red River into Minnesota.

The state's Board of Animal Health this week said an outbreak of the flu at a turkey farm in Meeker County could be a sign that the flu has returned. Minnesota battled the flu back in the spring, and had to put down nearly three million birds because of it.

The Board of Animal Health says this week's outbreak in Meeker County means just over 171 thousand birds will have to be put down as well.