(St. Paul MN-) Governor Tim Walz today announced the discovery of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Stearns County. Stearns now joins Meeker and Mower Counties in having H5N1 bird flu in Minnesota. Department of Health veterinarian Doctor Joni Sheftel says there is no threat to the public or any food safety risk: [statement]
Dr. Dale Lauer of The Board of Animal Health and the Poultry testing station in Willmar says poultry producers need to... [statement]
U.S. Representative Michelle Fischbach issued a statement, saying, "A case of HPAI in Minnesota, while unfortunate, has been anticipated for months. We know that this time will be different from the major outbreak in 2015. We have learned many lessons since then, provided appropriate agencies resources and authorities to prepare and respond, so this case is not catching us off guard. I look forward to working with our partners at the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture, and others to ensure they have the resources they need to address this disease,"
