New cases of Avian Influenza infect South Dakota livestock

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - Avian Influenza, or the Bird Flu, has been affecting livestock across the nation, and in the last 30 days, there have been five new recorded cases of H5N1, in South Dakota livestock.

The infectious disease has changed in recent years to not only affect poultry but also wild mammals and dairy herds. South Dakota State veterinarian Beth Thompson says the disease could be ruinous for poultry in the state.

“For our farmers, this is significant because it’s a change in the way the virus is moving, and in the species where we’re detecting it, and there’s also a concern when birds or poultry contract the virus, it’s devastating to them,” Thompson said.

Thompson said farmers can take precautions to avoid the bird flu by quarantining any new livestock before introducing them to the herd, keeping a closed herd or flock, and controlling the traffic on their farms.

Knowing your animals and keeping a close eye on them is another strong way to keep an eye out for your flock, infected birds will often stop vocalizing, eating and drinking. Avian Influenza can become deadly in as little as 48 to 72 hours.

The United States Department of Agriculture is closely monitoring cases of Avian Influenza across the country and implemented mandatory testing and reporting on April 29, 2024, to further protect farmers and livestock.

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