PIERRE, SD – South Dakota has been hit in the most recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This marks the first case in a U.S. commercial turkey flock since April.
This outbreak has affected more than 47,000 poultry on a Jerauld County commercial turkey flock Oct. 4, necessitating their culling.
This is the first case of bird flu in a U.S. commercial flock since April, when HPAI was confirmed on a Beadle County turkey farm with more than 75,000 birds.
South Dakota has seen multiple cases of HPAI this year, with over 123,000 birds depopulated due to the virus.
The current outbreak across the U.S. has affected 58.97 million birds, surpassing the 2014-2015 outbreak as the deadliest on record.
Even smaller commercial flocks are not spared, as evidenced by a commercial egg-laying operation in Flandreau, Dakota Layers, which had to cull 1.35 million hens.
SPENCER, IA – A Spencer, Iowa man is in custody facing charges after allegedly threatening a family member with a chainsaw in an incident this past Sunday.
Spencer police were dispatched to a residence at Fisher Court for an unknown disturbance.
Officials say 29-year-old Challer Wadsley of Spencer had physically assaulted a family member, then went and got a chainsaw to intimidate the victim even further.
When officers attempted to arrest Wadsley he resisted, ultimately he was tased.
Wadsley is charged with Domestic Abuse Assault, Intimidation With A Dangerous Weapon, and Interference With Official Acts. He is currently in custody at the Clay County Jail with a bond set at $25,300.
MITCHELL, SD – The City of Mitchell has issued a Public Health Advisory for Lake Mitchell due to algal blooms.
The advisory went into effect on October 6.
According to city resources, a harmful algal bloom is an overgrowth of algae that could affect water quality and aquatic life, sometimes resulting in harmful toxins.
These algal blooms can make water appear green, brown, gold or red and often produce scum, mats, foam or paint-like streaks in the water or in clumps on shore.
Residents should avoid swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking in these waters and should not let animals drink or swim in them.
Symptoms of exposure to harmful algal blooms include irritation in the ears, eyes, nose, skin or throat, respiratory illness, paralysis, seizures, abdominal pain, diarrhea, liver and kidney damage and vomiting.
Symptoms in animals include drooling, diarrhea, low energy, not eating, stumbling, tremors and vomiting.
The advisory is in effect until further notice.
SPEARFISH, SD – The person killed in a crash Thursday evening two miles east of Spearfish has been identified.
The Department of Public Safety says a Nissan Altima was stopped in the westbound driving lane of I-90. The Nissan was struck in the rear by a Dodge Ram.
1 arrested, 1 hospitalized following assault
The driver of the Altima, 39-year-old Marshall Osloond, was declared dead at the scene.
South Dakota’s Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.
