Avian Flu Confirmed In A Dakota County Bald Eagle

DAKOTA COUNTY, MN — Avian flu was detected in a bald eagle in Dakota County March 31, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said.

This news comes as the virus has been confirmed to have affected over 1 million birds in Minnesota, including turkey flocks and a great horned owl in Kandiyohi County.

Minnesota state lawmakers on Thursday approved $1 million in emergency funding to fight the outbreak.

RELATED: $1M In Emergency Funds OK'd As Avian Flu Outbreak Hits 1M Birds In MN

The avian flu was first detected March 25 in Minnesota. More than 1 million birds in Minnesota have been diagnosed with HPAI since, with diseased flocks confirmed at 22 sites in 11 counties, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Minnesota produces more turkeys than any other state, with almost 700 farms producing about 40 million birds per year, the Associated Press reports.

RELATED: MN Bans Poultry Sales, Exhibitions Amid Avian Flu Outbreak

HPAI cases have been reported in 24 states in 2022, with more than 22 million chickens and turkeys killed in the past two months to limit the spread of the virus, AP reports.

No human cases of the avian influenza virus have been detected in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control said this strain of avian influenza — H5N1 — is a low risk to the public.

Minnesotans can report potential cases by calling the Avian Influenza Hotline at 1-833-454-0156 or the Department of Natural Resources at 888-646-6367.