Minnesota reported an H5N1 outbreak at three poultry facilities

In Big Stone County, the virus was detected at a commercial poultry operation raising meat poultry with a flock size of 55,701 (confirmed on September 15). Two additional cases were recorded by specialists on September 10: 44,352 meat turkeys were affected in Becker County, and a breeder farm with 18,000 birds was affected in Otter Tail County. The total number of additional poultry at these facilities amounted to about 118,000.

These cases followed a relatively quiet summer period when the virus did not appear from May 20 to September 1. In total, since the beginning of 2026, avian flu has been registered at 11 facilities in the state. Nationwide, 16 positive tests have been recorded in commercial and backyard flocks over the past 30 days, affecting about 400,000 birds.

Federal policy requires the depopulation of the entire flock upon confirmation of the H5N1 virus, regardless of whether individual specimens show symptoms, which is why the figures for large enterprises run into the tens of thousands. Specialists associate the seasonal rise in virus activity with the autumn migration of waterfowl, since wild ducks and geese most often carry the disease without external signs of disease.

For the majority of residents, the situation does not affect shopping in stores or holiday menu planning, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assess the overall public health risk as low. Practical precautions concern backyard flock owners, waterfowl hunters, and personnel working with infected facilities. In the event of symptoms such as fever, cough, or eye irritation within 10 days after contact with poultry, it is recommended to consult a doctor, warning them in advance about the exposure. Cooked poultry remains safe for consumption when cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.