Avian Influenza in North Dakota

The Latest on HPAI Confirmations in Commercial and Backyard Flocks

With the recent detections of the Eurasian H5 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild birds and domestic poultry in the United States, bird owners should review their biosecurity practices and stay vigilant to protect poultry and pet birds from this disease. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is working closely with USDA-APHIS on surveillance, reporting and control efforts.

2025 HPAI Cases in North Dakota

Total number of sites affected: 1
Total number of counties: 1

HPAI Poultry/Bird Event Restrictions Map

Restrictions related to Co-mingling events in counties with an active control zone and for birds and producers residing within counties or any county that is affected by an active control zone.

How HPAI cases are identified and announced:

There are several steps involved in confirming a poultry flock is positive for a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza. Here is an outline of the process, which includes timing of public notification:

1. A poultry producer or backyard flock owner notices unexplained death loss or other signs of illness in his/her birds.
    
2. The individual notifies their veterinarian or an animal health official.
    
3. Samples are collected from the birds on the premises.
    
4. Samples are submitted to the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for preliminary testing.
    
5. The NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory determines if the samples are positive for an H5 or H7 influenza virus.
   • If samples are positive for an H5 or H7 virus, they are considered as presumptive positives and are forwarded to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa. NVSL is the only laboratory in the United States that is authorized to officially confirm the presence of a HPAI and identify the specific strain of virus.
      
6. Once NVSL confirms HPAI, the USDA posts updates on its website.

MORE INFORMATION ON AVIAN INFLUENZA

Flock Owner Support

Farmers/ranchers and their family members experience pressure from all directions. We urge anyone struggling mentally or financially from this HPAI outbreak to reach out for assistance if needed:

• Call 211: a statewide 24-hour helpline
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Reach out to a loved one, friend or clergy member
• Refer yourself or anyone you have concerns about to a local health-care provider or local mental health professional.

Visit the NDSU Managing Stress Hub for more information and resources.