Bird Flu Outbreak Affects 36,000 Turkeys in South Dakota
In a recent outbreak, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) struck a commercial turkey facility in Beadle County, South Dakota, affecting approximately 36,000 turkeys. The case was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) on April 8, 2025.

This incident marks the sixteenth recorded case of HPAI in Beadle County since early 2022, bringing the total number of affected birds in the county to 825,000. South Dakota has been significantly impacted by avian influenza, reporting the second-highest number of cases in the United States since the global outbreak began in February 2022. So far, 115 commercial flocks have been affected across the state, impacting over 6.1 million birds.
The avian flu outbreak has spread widely across the U.S., with 45 cases reported in just the past 30 days. These include nine commercial flocks and 36 backyard flocks, affecting nearly 1.94 million birds across 20 states. Despite the severity of the outbreak, there has been a downward trend in commercial cases, with 12 reported in March compared to 59 in February and 85 in January.
The impact of bird flu goes beyond the immediate loss of poultry. The virus poses a potential threat to human health, though the risk remains low at present. In January, a senior citizen in Louisiana became the first person in the U.S. to die from bird flu after exposure to infected birds.
The economic consequences of avian influenza are also substantial. The outbreak has driven up the cost of poultry products, including eggs and chicken breasts. Additionally, the virus has spread to mammals, causing fatalities among cattle and domestic cats in South Dakota.
Efforts to control the spread of avian flu are ongoing. The USDA and APHIS continue to monitor and manage the outbreak, implementing measures to prevent further spread and mitigate the impact on both poultry and human populations. Public health officials and scientists are closely studying the virus to understand its pandemic potential and develop strategies to prevent such an event.
As the situation evolves, it is crucial for poultry farmers and the public to remain vigilant and adhere to biosecurity measures to safeguard both animal and human health. The bird flu outbreak in South Dakota serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by infectious diseases and the importance of preparedness and response efforts.
Source: avinews.com/ar