Avian flu confirmed in flock of 120 birds at Crow Wing County farm

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.