(NAFB.com) – The first case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is now confirmed in Minnesota. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the first 2024 outbreak in Minnesota in a Meeker County flock. The current outbreak, confirmed on April 11, has affected 70,100 birds. Meeker County saw four outbreaks in commercial turkey flocks in 2023. Earlier this spring, the Minnesota Board of Health issued guidance for biosecurity measures to help all poultry owners in the state. “Poultry owners might be used to us sounding an alarm on HPAI this time of year and talking about how biosecurity can limit the impact of this disease,” says Shauna Voss, the senior veterinarian for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. “This year, we’re taking a new approach, and instead of highlighting one disease, we’re highlighting one solution for many diseases, which is effective biosecurity.” Since 2022, the virus has affected 88.11 million birds.