Announcement

**Pathfinder** · March 20, 2024, 11:52 AM

News Release

For immediate release: March 20, 2024

Contact: Dan Callahan

Stevens County goat tests positive for same influenza virus affecting poultry

A Stevens County goat kid (juvenile goat) residing on a farm with a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) positive poultry flock tested positive for the same virus. This is the first U.S. detection of HPAI in a domestic ruminant (cattle, sheep, goats, and their relatives). All poultry on the property were already quarantined from the February HPAI detection. Following the confirmation of HPAI in the goat, the Board quarantined all other species on the premises. The Board is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to investigate the transmission of the virus in this case.

“This finding is significant because, while the spring migration is definitely a higher risk transmission period for poultry, it highlights the possibility of the virus infecting other animals on farms with multiple species,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Brian Hoefs. “Thankfully, research to-date has shown mammals appear to be dead-end hosts, which means they’re unlikely to spread HPAI further.”

Earlier this month the owner notified the Board of unusual deaths of newly kidded goats on the property where a backyard poultry flock was depopulated due to HPAI in February. The goats and poultry had access to the same space, including a shared water source. One of the goat carcasses was taken to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL), where it tested positive for influenza A. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) later confirmed H5N1 HPAI, which is the same virus circulating in the national outbreak that began in 2022. Samples from the adult goats were negative for HPAI and all appear healthy; no more sick goat kids have been reported since March 11.

HPAI has been previously diagnosed in other mammalian species such as skunks, dogs and cats. Animals with weakened or immature immune systems, like the goat kids in this case, are at higher risk of contracting disease. There has been limited experimental data on HPAI infection in ruminants, and there are no prior reports of natural HPAI infection in goats. The USDA has tracked more than 200 detections of HPAI in mammals across the country since the start of the 2022 HPAI outbreak.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) provided recommendations for personal protective equipment and is monitoring the health of those in direct contact with the infected goats. Anyone who develops respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms after exposure to the goats may be voluntarily tested for avian influenza and other respiratory pathogens. The risk to the public is extremely low, and any risk of infection is limited to people in direct contact with infected animals. To date, no people in the United States have become ill following contact with mammals infected with this virus.

Biosecurity is the first line of defense for anyone to protect their animals from disease and includes simple measures like cleaning equipment and housing regularly, separating livestock from wild animals, and calling your veterinarian when animals appear sick. To learn more important steps to protect your animals from HPAI and other diseases, visit the Board’s biosecurity webpage. For more information on the Board’s work to combat the spread of HPAI in Minnesota, please visit our response webpage.

--30--

Stevens County goat tests positive for same influenza virus affecting poultry

https://www.bah.state.mn.us/news_release/stevens-county-goat-tests-positive-for-same-influenza-virus-affecting-poultry/

Saint Paul, Minn - A Stevens County goat kid (juvenile goat) residing on a farm with a Highly Pathogenic Avi

**Shiloh** · March 20, 2024, 08:55 PM

Source: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/0...minnesota-farm

Goats contract bird flu on Minnesota farm
Dan Gunderson
March 20, 2024 11:23 AM

Updated: 3:05 p.m.

Young goats on a Stevens County farm recently tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

The agency said the detection is the first known U.S. avian influenza infection in domestic ruminants, which include cattle, sheep and goats. But a state official said the finding is not cause for alarm.

“I think this probably reflects more a case of an immune-compromised individual. Specifically, these were young goats approximately a week of age, their immune systems weren’t very strong yet and they were exposed to a pretty heavy viral burden,” said State Veterinarian Brian Hoefs.

Earlier this month the owner notified the Board of Animal Health about unusual deaths of young goats. A backyard poultry flock on the same farm was depopulated in February after testing positive for avian influenza. The goats and poultry shared space and a water source.

Hoefs said 10 carcasses were tested and five were positive for the highly pathogenic avian flu virus.

“This finding is significant because, while the spring migration is definitely a higher risk transmission period for poultry, it highlights the possibility of the virus infecting other animals on farms with multiple species,” said Hoefs...

**Lance** · March 27, 2024, 07:59 AM

United States of America - Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-) - Follow up report 44

GENERAL INFORMATION

COUNTRY/TERRITORY OR ZONE
ZONE

ANIMAL TYPE
TERRESTRIAL

DISEASE CATEGORY
Listed disease

EVENT ID
4451

DISEASE
Influenza A viruses of high pathogenicity (Inf. with) (non-poultry including wild birds) (2017-)

CAUSAL AGENT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

GENOTYPE / SEROTYPE / SUBTYPE
H5N1

START DATE
2022/03/30

REASON FOR NOTIFICATION
Unusual host species

DATE OF LAST OCCURRENCE- CONFIRMATION DATE
2022/05/05

EVENT STATUS
On-going

END DATE- SELF-DECLARATION

NO REPORT INFORMATION

REPORT NUMBER
Follow-up report 44

REPORT ID
FUR_166639

REPORT REFERENCE- REPORT DATE
2024/03/26

REPORT STATUS
Validated

NO EVOLUTION REPORT

EPIDEMIOLOGY

SOURCE OF EVENT OR ORIGIN OF INFECTION

Contact with wild species
Unknown or inconclusive

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL COMMENTS
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 Eurasian lineage goose/Guangdong clade 2.3.4.4b was confirmed in samples from sick cattle collected from at least one dairy farm in Kansas and at least one dairy farm in Texas. The initial sequences represent a sporadically detected 4 gene reassortant (B3.13 per GenoFlu) descended from the previously predominant genotype B3.2 first observed in wild birds in November 2023. No markers for mammalian adaptation nor antiviral resistance were observed. This is an evolving situation - additional work and studies are in process. Federal and state agencies are moving quickly to conduct additional testing for HPAI, as well as viral genome sequencing, so that we can better understand the situation, including characterization of the HPAI strain or strains associated with these detections.

QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY

MEASURING UNIT
Animal

SpeciesSusceptibleCasesDeathsKilled and Disposed ofSlaughtered/ Killed for commercial useVaccinated Coyote (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-1-1-- Cats (DOMESTIC)NEW------TOTAL-714-- Virginia Opossum (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-431-- Domestic cat (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-611-- Goats (DOMESTIC)NEW------TOTAL165 55--- Gray Seal (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Bobcat (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-642-- Striped Skunk (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-422714-- Tiger (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Harbor Seal (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-21192-- Racoon (Northern raccoon) (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-1554-- Puma (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-2222--- Bottlenose dolphin (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- American Black Bear (black bear) (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-413-- Brown bear (Grizzly Bear) (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-431-- Polar Bear (WILD)NEW------TOTAL--1--- Red Fox (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-854819-- Amur Leopard (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Fisher (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-321-- North American river otter (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- American marten (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-11--- Abert's squirrel (WILD)NEW------TOTAL-1---- Bovine (DOMESTIC)NEW-90000TOTAL-90000 All speciesNEW-90000TOTAL1652411485300

DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS

CLINICAL SIGNS
YES

METHOD OF DIAGNOSTIC
Clinical, Diagnostic test

Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)

National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL), Ames, Iowa

Bobcat,Domestic cat,Fisher,Red Fox,American Black Bear (black bear),Brown bear (Grizzly Bear),Gray Seal,Tiger,Racoon (Northern raccoon),Puma,Cats,American marten,Virginia Opossum,Bottlenose dolphin,Striped Skunk,Amur Leopard,Coyote,Abert's squirrel,North American river otter,Harbor Seal,Bovine,Goats,Polar Bear

175

2022/05/05

2024/03/25

Positive

https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/4451

**Pathfinder** · June 6, 2024, 10:41 AM

News Release

For immediate release: June 6, 2024

Contact: Michael Crusan

Amid uptick in poultry detections, Minnesota reports first case of avian influenza in a dairy herd

H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in a Benton County dairy herd. Over the weekend the producer noticed clinical signs in only a handful of cows, the next day more than 40 cows had signs of fever. Samples collected from sick cows in the herd on Monday were sent to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory where the virus was detected. The USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the results last night. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pasteurized dairy remains safe to consume.

“We knew it was only a matter of time before this detection would reach our doorstep,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Brian Hoefs. “It’s important for dairy farmers to follow the example of this herd and test sick cows. The more the animal health community can learn about this virus today through testing and research, the better we can equip ourselves to prevent infections tomorrow.”

Dairy farmers should monitor their herd and contact their veterinarian immediately if cows appear sick. HPAI symptoms in dairy mostly affect late-stage lactating cows and include fever, a drop in milk production, loss of appetite, and changes in manure consistency. No matter the HPAI status of a herd, biosecurity can reduce the risk of disease spreading onto or off farms:

Consider stopping or delaying any cow movements and test for H5N1 before you move animals.
Milk any sick cows last, after your healthy herd.
Keep feed covered and clean up feed spills immediately.
Provide cows a clean source of water kept secure from wildlife, especially waterfowl.
Talk to your herd veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness in your animals.

Dairy farms are always required to dispose of milk from sick animals to remove it from the milk supply. In addition to the affected herd disposing of milk from sick cows and isolating them, the Board quarantined the entire herd for 30 days to reduce the risk of disease spread off the farm. After 30 days from the last positive test result, the herd can be retested to be released from the quarantine.

The risk to the public from this virus remains low at this time. People who work with or have direct contact with infected animals could be at risk of getting sick. The Board is working closely with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) on this response. MDH’s role is to monitor the health of people who have direct contact with infected animals and provide public health information and recommendations.

CDC recommends people who work with infected or potentially infected animals wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to help protect themselves from infection. More information is available on CDC’s website. Farmers can request PPE from MDH. Symptoms of avian influenza in people may include cough, sore throat, fever, red/watery eyes or discharge from the eyes. People who have questions can contact MDH at 651-201-5414.

The Board will report any new detections and updates on cow cases in Minnesota on its website. The Board has also seen a recent rise in poultry cases in the state with eight sites positive for the virus in May. Early investigations from some of those sites reveal birds were infected with the same virus strain detected in cows across the country.

Amid uptick in poultry detections, Minnesota reports first case of H5N1 influenza in a dairy herd

https://www.bah.state.mn.us/amid-uptick-in-poultry-detections-minnesota-reports-first-case-of-avian-influenza-in-a-dairy-herd

H5N1 influenza, the same virus that causes HPAI in poultry, has been confirmed in a Benton County dairy herd.

**Treyfish** · June 6, 2024, 11:49 AM

First case of bird flu detected in Minnesota dairy cows

State officials are warning those who work closely with infected animals they are at risk of contracting the virus.
By Brooks Johnson Star Tribune

JUNE 6 2024
Bird flu has infected a Benton County dairy herd this week, marking the first confirmed detection of the virus in cows in Minnesota.

But per State Veterinarian Dr. Brian Hoefs, "it was only a matter of time."

"It's important for dairy farmers to follow the example of this herd and test sick cows," Hoefs said in a Thursday statement. "The more the animal health community can learn about this virus today through testing and research, the better we can equip ourselves to prevent infections tomorrow."

Several dozen cows are sick. Farmers will destroy milk from the animals, and the cows will quarantine for 30 days, according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health…..

First case of bird flu detected in Minnesota dairy cows

https://www.startribune.com/first-case-bird-flu-minnesota-dairy-cow/600371539/

State officials are warning those who work closely with infected animals they are at risk of contracting the virus.

**Treyfish** · June 6, 2024, 02:26 PM

HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA (HPAI) AND DAIRY CATTLE

Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Business Dev, Loans, Grants
Animals & Livestock
Avian Influenza
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Dairy Cattle

Main navigation

On June 6, 2024, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health reported that H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in a Benton County dairy herd. Dairy farmers should monitor their herd and contact their veterinarian immediately if cows appear sick. The Board will report any new detections and updates on cow cases in Minnesota on its website.

For the latest on national HPAI detection in dairy cattle, visit the USDA website. For the latest in milk and dairy product safety efforts, visit the FDA website.

Minnesota agricultural and animal health officials are monitoring this developing situation and are in contact with industry officials. Federal Support

USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have announced actionsaimed at reducing the impact and spread of HPAI. The actions aim to reduce the impact of H5N1 on affected premises and producers, increase testing and screening and testing capacity, and other measures. On May 23, USDA expanded some of these support options to include dairy producers whose herds have not tested positive for H5N1. Read more about these options for producers.

The USDA announced on May 30 $824 Million in new funding to protect livestock health. The funding will support anticipated diagnostics, field response activities, pre-movement testing requirements, other necessary surveillance and control activities, surveillance in wildlife, and more. Testing and Reporting Requirements

The USDA announced a Federal Order, effective Monday, April 29, 2024, requiring testing for, and reporting of, HPAI in certain dairy cattle. Review the full breakdown of the order on the USDA website. Here’s the bulleted version of the Federal Order highlights:

Mandatory Testing for Interstate Movement of Dairy Cattle

Prior to interstate movement, dairy cattle are required to receive a negative test for Influenza A virus at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) laboratory.
Owners of herds in which dairy cattle test positive for interstate movement will be required to provide epidemiological information, including animal movement tracing.
Dairy cattle moving interstate must adhere to conditions specified by APHIS.
As will be described in forthcoming guidance, these steps will be immediately required for lactating dairy cattle, while these requirements for other classes of dairy cattle will be based on scientific factors concerning the virus and its evolving risk profile.

Mandatory Reporting

Laboratories and state veterinarians must report positive Influenza A nucleic acid detection diagnostic results (e.g. PCR or genetic sequencing) in livestock to USDA APHIS.
Laboratories and state veterinarians must report positive Influenza A serology diagnostic results in livestock to USDA APHIS.

Review the Frequently Asked Questions on the Federal Order.

Review the official USDA guidance on the Federal Order. Farm Biosecurity

Dairy producers are encouraged to consider heightened biosecurity measures such as those described in the Secure Milk Supply Plan.

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health notes some important biosecurity points:

Separate all incoming animals for 21-30 days and screen for signs of disease before allowing them into your herd.
Milk imported animals last.
Use a Line of Separation and specific access points to restrict staff or visitors to certain areas on the farm.
Create a clean/dirty line at barn or parlor entries where staff or visitors can change into barn specific footwear or clothing and clean and disinfect (This point is especially important if staff travel between different locations).
Report clinical signs or suspected illnesses to your veterinarian immediately.
Know where you source your feed and keep rodents and wildlife away from stored feed. Keep feed covered or contained and clean any feed spills immediately.
Provide clean water and keep wildlife away from troughs.

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has developed biosecurity and milk handling recommendations for state animal health officials, accredited veterinarians, and producers. Milk & Dairy Product Safety

There continues to be no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply because products are pasteurized before entering the market. Pasteurization has continually proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. Pasteurization is required for any milk entering commerce for human consumption.

Also, dairies are required to send only milk from healthy animals into processing for human consumption. Because milk from impacted animals looks abnormal, it is discarded and does not enter the human food supply.

People should not prepare or eat uncooked or undercooked food, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk or raw cheeses, from animals with suspected or confirmed HPAI virus infection. Raw milk or unpasteurized dairy products may contain harmful bacteria or viruses and can cause illness. The MDA will not allow sales of raw milk direct to consumers from farms whose herds are confirmed infected. This milk would be considered adulterated under MINN. STAT. 32D.19.

The FDA has information on the safety of the milk supply and dairy products. Farm Worker Safety

The CDC considers the human health risk of H5N1 for the general public low. However, people with close or prolonged, unprotected exposures to infected birds or other animals (including livestock), or to an environment contaminated by infected birds or other animals, are at greater risk of infection. The CDC has interim recommendations for prevention, monitoring, and public health investigations of HPAI viruses.

USDA APHIS has developed recommendations for HPAI in livestock for workers. The CDC has developed recommendations for worker protection and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to reduce exposure to HPAI. Farm Stress and Mental Health

The MDA has resources and programs available to farmers experiencing stress and metal health concerns. Find out more information on our Coping with Farm and Rural Stress web page. HPAI (H5N1) in Dairy FAQ

How can I protect my animals?
What species have tested positive for HPAI (H5N1) in Minnesota?
How are the cattle and other domestic species exposed to the virus?
How are sick cattle treated?
Is federal funding available for testing?
How does the Minnesota Department of Agriculture work with other agencies?
What other steps can be taken to help protect individuals working with livestock?
Who can I talk to about my specific questions surrounding HPAI (H5N1)?
EXTERNAL LINKS
Minnesota Board of Animal Health HPAI Information
USDA Information on HPAI Detections in Dairy Cattle
FDA Questions and Answers Regarding Milk Safety During HPAI Outbreaks
CDC Interim Recommendations for Prevention and Monitoring
University of Minnesota Extension Animal and Livestock News
CONTACT US MDA Response Line

mdaresponds@state.mn.us

H5N1 and Dairy Cattle | Minnesota Department of Agriculture

https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai-dairy-cattle

On June 6, 2024, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health

**Pathfinder** · June 10, 2024, 11:52 AM

...
HPAI detections in Minnesota livestock

...

Total Infected Minnesota Sites 4

County Special ID Species Herd Inventory Initial Diagnosis Quarantine Released

LINCOLN MN 004 Cattle Thursday, June 06, 2024
BENTON MN 002 Cattle 280 Tuesday, June 04, 2024
SIBLEY MN 003 Cattle 616 Tuesday, June 04, 2024
STEVENS MN 001 Goats 170 Thursday, March 07, 2024 Tuesday, March 26, 2024
...

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Response

http://www.bah.state.mn.us/hpai/

All the latest HPAI dashboards, case locations, response details and everything you need to know about HPAI in Minnesota.

**Lance** · June 17, 2024, 10:10 AM

WAHIS

https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/4451

**Mary Wilson** · June 18, 2024, 05:27 PM

HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA (HPAI) AND DAIRY CATTLE

... Minnesota agricultural and animal health officials are monitoring this developing situation and are in contact with industry officials. ...

Testing Requirements for Dairy Cows Before Events

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health has announced testing requirements for lactating dairy cows effective Tuesday, June 18. All lactating (currently producing milk) dairy cows must have both a negative H5N1 test result and Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) to attend any exhibition in Minnesota. The requirements are effective until December 31, 2024. You can find more information on the Board of Animal Health's website. ...

Farm Stress and Mental Health

The MDA has resources and programs available to farmers experiencing stress and metal health concerns. Find out more information on our Coping with Farm and Rural Stress web page. ...

HPAI (H5N1) in Dairy FAQ

... How are the cattle and other domestic species exposed to the virus?

Infections in cattle have been traced back to infected wild birds. Research is continuing on the transmission route between animals. The newborn goat kids that were diagnosed in Minnesota shared a water source with infected poultry that had been depopulated at the same site. ...

FORMS + RESOURCES
Handling Milk from Cattle Infected with H5N1 Influenza
Best Practices for Handling Milk at Fairs and Exhibitions

EXTERNAL LINKS
Minnesota Board of Animal Health HPAI Information
USDA Information on HPAI Detections in Dairy Cattle
FDA Questions and Answers Regarding Milk Safety During HPAI Outbreaks
CDC Interim Recommendations for Prevention and Monitoring
University of Minnesota Extension Animal and Livestock News
CONTACT US MDA Response Line

https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business...rd%20of%20Anim al%20Health%20has%20announced%20testing%20requirem ents,attend%20any%20exhibition%20in%20Minnesota.

**Pathfinder** · June 23, 2024, 08:04 AM

HPAI detections in Minnesota Livestock
...
Total Infected Minnesota Sites 7
...
County Special ID Species Herd Inventory Initial Diagnosis Quarantine Released

MORRISON MN 007 Cattle Monday, June 17, 2024
KANDIYOHI MN 005 Cattle Friday, June 14, 2024
BENTON MN 006 Cattle Friday, June 14, 2024
LINCOLN MN 004 Cattle Thursday, June 06, 2024
SIBLEY MN 003 Cattle 616 Tuesday, June 04, 2024
BENTON MN 002 Cattle 280 Tuesday, June 04, 2024
STEVENS MN 001 Goats 170 Thursday, March 07, 2024 Tuesday, March 26, 2024

...

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Response

https://www.bah.state.mn.us/hpai

All the latest HPAI dashboards, case locations, response details and everything you need to know about HPAI in Minnesota.

**Lance** · June 24, 2024, 10:16 AM

WAHIS

https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/4451

**Treyfish** · June 25, 2024, 02:33 PM

Manure pits reportedly overflow at 16 large feedlots in southern Minnesota

Today, 03:31 PM
Manure pits reportedly overflow at 16 large feedlots in southern Minnesota

Heavy rain has spilled an unknown amount of livestock waste into the environment.
By Greg Stanley and Christopher Vondracek Star Tribune

JUNE 25, 2024 — 1:15PM

Relentless rains this month have caused the manure pits of at least 16 large feedlots in southwestern Minnesota to overflow, releasing unknown amounts of livestock waste into the environment.

The overflows, all at open pit lagoons, happened in Rock, Nobles and Jackson counties, said Andrea Cournoyer, a spokeswoman for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The agency is working to monitor and mitigate environmental damage from the spills, she said.

High concentrations of manure can be dangerous to human health and can cause fish kills and threaten water quality even after floodwaters recede.

The state's largest feedlots — those with more than 1,000 animal units — are required to report any manure overflows to the state. State regulators ask smaller…

Manure pits reportedly overflow at 16 large feedlots in southern Minnesota

Seventeen manure pits reportedly overflow at large feedlots in southern Minnesota

https://www.startribune.com/manure-pits-reportedly-overflow-at-16-large-feedlots-in-southern-minnesota/600376074/

Heavy rain has spilled an unknown amount of livestock waste into the environment.

**Commonground** · June 25, 2024, 02:34 PM

Manure pits reportedly overflow at 16 large feedlots in southern Minnesota

JUNE 25, 2024

Heavy rain has spilled an unknown amount of livestock waste into the environment.

Relentless rains this month have caused the manure pits of at least 16 large feedlots in southwestern Minnesota to overflow, releasing unknown amounts of livestock waste into the environment.

The overflows, all at open pit lagoons, happened in Rock, Nobles and Jackson counties, said Andrea Cournoyer, a spokeswoman for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The agency is working to monitor and mitigate environmental damage from the spills, she said.

High concentrations of manure can be dangerous to human health and can cause fish kills and threaten water quality even after floodwaters recede.

The state's largest feedlots — those with more than 1,000 animal units — are required to report any manure overflows to the state. State regulators ask smaller farms to report overflows as well, but they are not required.

Peter Bakken, a rancher who operates a feedlot in Rock County, said the heavy rains have put his manure storage facility at the brink of overflowing.

He said it's the second time since securing his permit that he's had to phone into the state to report a potential overflow because of flooding. He and his family get their drinking water from the property, he said, and potential manure pollution is one of a host of complications the historic rain has caused farmers in the area.

"We build for a 100-year flood," Bakken said. "And we get 100-year floods every other year it seems."

Minnesota Department of Health officials warned that contamination from both animal and human waste is one of many reasons people need to avoid floodwater.

This is a developing story.

Seventeen manure pits reportedly overflow at large feedlots in southern Minnesota

https://www.startribune.com/manure-pits-reportedly-overflow-at-16-large-feedlots-in-southern-minnesota/600376074/

Heavy rain has spilled an unknown amount of livestock waste into the environment.

**Pathfinder** · June 27, 2024, 10:14 AM

Hat tip Michael Coston

Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Mammals

Last Modified: June 26, 2024
...
Line state county date_collected date_detected hpai_strain species nvsl_accession

326 Minnesota Washington 05/02/2024 06/21/2024 EA H5N1 Red fox 24-017742
327 Minnesota Kandiyohi 06/18/2024 06/21/2024 EA H5N1 Domestic cat 24-017992

HPAI Detections in Mammals

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals

View the latest information on detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in mammals.

Announcement

Minnesota - Avian flu in mammals and livestock 2024

Minnesota - Avian flu in mammals and livestock 2024

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