FIRST HPAI IN DAIRY HERD CONFIRMED IN BENTON COUNTY

Minnesota’s first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, in a dairy herd has been confirmed in Benton County.  It comes the day after Iowa  discovered its first case of bird flu in a dairy herd.  The Minnesota Board of Animal Health says a producers noted clinical signs in only a handful of cows over the weekend and found the next day over 40 cows had signs of fever.  Officials are urging dairy farmers to monitor their herds, contact their veterinarian immediately if cows appear sick and practice strict biosecurity to reduce the risk of the disease spreading.