Avian influenza has hit the Midwest. The H5N2 virus has been detected in one flock in South Dakota, in addition to the five cases in Minnesota. Last week the South Dakota State University Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in a sample from a turkey farm in central South Dakota. State Public Health Veterinarian Russell Daly is available for comment on how state and federal officials are responding to the outbreak. The virus is spread through droppings and nasal/respiratory fluids. No humans have been affected and, thus far, no wild bird infections have been detected in South Dakota.

Contact Daly at (605)-690-5306 or [email protected]. He is also the SDSU Extension veterinarian and a professor in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences.

About the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic LaboratorySince 1887, the South Dakota State University Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory has served the public by providing high quality veterinary diagnostic services as a means to promptly and accurately establish causes of animal health problems. Such diagnoses aid attending veterinarians and health officials in the treatment, control, prevention and surveillance of animal diseases, benefiting South Dakota and national livestock industries, other animal owners and public health. Research work involves basic and applied investigations that enhance the understanding of the induction of diseases in animals, the development of diagnostic methods for the detection of diseased animals, products for treatment or prevention of disease and management protocols for the control of disease.