FORT RIPLEY — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry from samples taken at a Fort Ripley farm in Crow Wing County.
According to a county news release, the site was quarantined, and the 120 birds on the premises were killed to prevent the spread of the disease.
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health leads the state response on avian influenza and highlights the perseverance of the virus to continue infecting flocks. The Board strongly encourages producers to focus on their biosecurity, which is a series of proactive steps to reduce the risk of disease affecting their birds. Avian flu cases are posted on the Board’s website.
"Biosecurity is paramount to stopping the spread of this and other viruses and disease," the release stated. "Flock owners large and small should consistently utilize biosecurity to maintain the health of their birds."
The University of Minnesota Extension maintains biosecurity resources for commercial and backyard flocks.
Poultry producers and backyard flock owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if they see any signs or symptoms of disease in their flock:
- Decrease in feed or water intake
- Swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, wattle and hocks
- Decrease in egg production
- Sudden, unexplained death
- Extreme depression
- Very quiet
- Difficulty breathing
"Federal, state and local partners are working together to find this devastating disease and test any birds with clinical signs as part of the avian influenza response plan," the release stated. "Crow Wing County is prepared to support the joint Federal and State response in our county should the need arise."
The first Minnesota cases of HPAI were identified in March 2022. The last time there was a case in Crow Wing County was May 2022 with a recent case detected in Wadena County in January of 2025.
-
Events this week include a pancake breakfast at Lake Bemidji State Park, Native American Music and Arts Festival in Onamia and a golf benefit in Park Rapids. -
Contributed/Minnesota News Connection | Adobe StockFederal prosecutors estimate that fraud targeting Minnesota aid programs could wind up exceeding $1 billion. -
Contributed/Jordan Bergendahl via PexelsThe agency announced $3.6 million in funding to help businesses enter and expand into the cannabis industry and provide workforce training grants for cannabis jobs. -
Contributed/Lorie ShaullWhile storms and high water impacted some areas, wild rice is looking great in much of Northern Minnesota, and there's enough water to get to it. -
In the 15-county service region served by Second Harvest Northland, the organization says 1 in 6 children don’t have access to enough food to lead a healthy and active life. -
Contributed/Crow Wing CountyIt will be 6-7:30 p.m. Aug. 28, 2025, at the Crow Wing County Land Services Building in Brainerd. The plan will help the county make informed decisions for the next 10-20 years. -
Maria Hileman/KAXEKAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features the Mississippi Headwaters Music Fest, Sam Miltich & The Clearwater Hot Club, Steve Earle and MorningBird. -
Lorie Shaull/Special to KAXEFunding can be used to purchase equipment, make physical improvements and support staff time needed to deliver urban agriculture programming in Minnesota. -
Contributed/University of MinnesotaSince first found in MN in 2015, starry stonewort has been confirmed in 35 water bodies. It can form dense mats, interfering with recreational uses and competing with native plants. -
Contributed/DNR via Sammie Jo RauschThe Minnesota DNR accepted the parcel from the Trust for Public Land, which used state grants to buy the land from adjacent private property owners.
