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February 2025

Minnesota prepared to respond to H5N1 in dairy

At the end of January the USDA confirmed the first case of H5N1 genotype D1.1 in dairy cattle on a farm in Nevada. This detection is noteworthy because it's different from the B3.13 genotype that circulated in cattle throughout 2024, including all of Minnesota's cases. (What is a genotype? The genetic makeup of a virus that defines its characteristics and behavior.) The D1.1 genotype is also interesting because it is the most prevalent type found in wild birds, mammals and spillovers in domestic poultry throughout the fall and early winter of 2024. While viruses are always changing, any strain of avian influenza is concerning to the Board and may pose a threat to poultry or dairy populations. One way to protect animals from this, and any disease, is to use proactive measures like biosecurity to prevent infections. The Board is prepared for introductions of H5N1 in dairy and has a response plan in place to work one-on-one with herd owners and guide them through the process after a detection. Owners or managers are contacted by a case manager, who remains their point of contact and guides them through quarantine, permitting, disease sampling and surveillance, and resuming operations when the virus has cleared the herd. Questions about the Board's response? Review the Board's Frequently Asked Questions for H5N1 in Dairy.

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Take the tularemia survey

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) wants to hear from veterinarians, vet techs, vet students, and those most likely to come in contact with a tularemia patient in a clinic setting. Participants will be asked about their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding tularemia prevention, control, testing, and treatment. The MDH is especially interested in anyone working in greater Minnesota because few reports of tularemia originate from these rural areas.

Survey results will be used to develop future strategies aimed at reducing tularemia infections in animals and veterinary personnel.

Please take the Tularemia: Assessing Knowledge, Attitude, and Beliefs survey by the end of the month.

Authorized Poultry Testing Agent training course

The Board is holding an Authorized Poultry Testing Agent (APTA) training course for those interested in performing the Rapid Whole Blood Test for Pullorum-Typhoid Disease and collecting samples for other Board or National Poultry Improvement Plan programs. In accordance with Minnesota Board of Animal Health rules (1721.0330), all samples collected from hatcheries and poultry flocks in Minnesota to meet Board disease program requirements must be collected by an APTA.

This course (in-person) is required for APTA certification and will cover testing procedures and sample collection. After the course, a follow-up hands-on training by a Board representative is required for APTA certification.

When: Monday, March 3, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: MnDOT, 3725 12th St N, St Cloud, MN 56303

Registration Fee: $50 Please note: All registration fees are non-refundable!

Registration Deadline: February 27, 2025

Other: All course materials will be provided.

Register online for the APTA course. Sign-up now to guarantee a spot - LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! Authorized Poultry Testing Agents must be at least 18 years of age. Please call the MPTL at 320-231-5170 with questions.

Board meeting recording posted

View the recording of our February 2025 Board meeting.

Healthy animals for healthy people and communities.

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