South Dakota State ag officials are reminding poultry producers to keep practicing good biosecurity in dealing with the Avian Influenza outbreak that has hit South Dakota and 4 other states in the region, with Minnesota hit the hardest. South Dakota Ag Secretary Lucas Lentsch says poultry producers need to remain vigilant as the bird flu has already had an impact.
Lentsch says only a small percentage of flocks have been affected so far in South Dakota. He says indemnity from USDA is the only funding help producers can expect as there are currently no state dollars available.
He says while the virus appears to be coming from wild birds, it’s important to remember that there is no human health risk from Avian Influenza.
Lentsch says as much as rain is usually welcome, a good warm and dry stretch would be helpful in curtailing the spread of the virus.
