The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is raising concerns over the continued detection of avian influenza and H5N1 in the state’s poultry and dairy farms. State officials recently addressed the Minnesota Senate Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development to discuss the need for increased testing and continued emergency funds to combat the virus. The most recent case of avian influenza was confirmed in a commercial turkey flock, affecting 300,000 turkeys, while the last detection in dairy cattle was in July 2024. The state’s ag emergency account is down to $1.7 million as of January 2025, with concerns over movement of the virus between dairy and poultry farms. Minnesota plans to implement a National Milk Testing Strategy in February to monitor the presence of the virus. Despite the concerns, officials highlight the importance of proper cooking techniques and pasteurization to eliminate the virus and minimize the risk for human consumption. Other emerging priorities for the state include African swine fever, rabies, tularemia, and investigations into kennels and farmed cervids.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
