South Dakota continues to be hit hard by avian flu

 

Headline:  South Dakota Searchlight, 9/20/2025

Joshua Haiar reports:

The number of turkeys killed at South Dakota farms in response to recent detections of avian influenza has risen to 419,650, continuing the state’s status as the national epicenter of this season’s outbreak. 

The numbers come from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which reports bird flu detections in eight commercial South Dakota flocks and one backyard flock in the state during the last 30 days. 

Meanwhile, South Dakota State Veterinarian Beth Thompson said blue-winged teal, a species of duck, have been identified as carriers of this season’s virus. John Cooper, a former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agent and former state Game, Fish and Parks secretary, said it makes sense that the state would find itself combating bird flu early this year if teal are carrying it. 

“Teal are traditionally our first migrators,” Cooper said.

Related posts:

September 2025

Minnesota reports avian flu in flock of tom turkeys.  (9/19)

Nebraska reports its first known case of avian flu in dairy herd.  (9/17)

Canadian Food Inspection Agency reports 4 cases of avian flu in Alberta but otherwise remains mum.  (9/17)

South Dakota reports additional cases of avian flu in turkey flocks.  (9/14)

Must be Kristi Noem's bad karma and her Corey Lewandowski hook-up:  South Dakota is ground zero for avian flu so far this fall.  (9/10)

Avian flu is not going away:  Texas records U.S. case #1079 since January 2024.  (9/9)

April-August 2025

You've heard of avian flu, right?  How about Marek's disease?  (8/7)

Public relations news:  Not a good year so far for chickens and eggs.  (6/13)

USDA secretary Brooke Rollins poses with chickens while keeping key department positions unfilled.  (4/11)