#18,877
Five days ago, in Canada & U.S. Report Early Fall Uptick In H5N1 Outbreaks In Poultry, we looked at the earlier-than-usual uptick in HPAI outbreaks in poultry farms with the U.S. reporting 7 commercial and 3 backyard flocks affected.
The next day, I added the following update:
Since then, the USDA has reported 2 more outbreaks:
Avian flu makes reappearance in Minnesota at Redwood County turkey farm
Publish Date
September 17, 2025
Author Dan Callahan
St. Paul, MN: On Sept. 16, 2025, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed in a Redwood County commercial turkey flock. This is the first detection of HPAI in poultry since April 23, 2025, and animal health officials and industry have been working hard over the summer to eliminate the virus from quarantined sites so the state could officially declare freedom of the disease on Aug. 25, 2025. This detection resets Minnesota’s response teams and will draw responders back into the fight against avian influenza this fall.
The Redwood County flock, around 20,000 turkey toms, showed signs of increased mortality. Samples taken Sept. 14, 2025, and submitted to the Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory on Sept. 15 tested PCR positive for influenza A and the H5 strain. Molecular testing (PCR) is a diagnostic tool that looks for the presence of the virus in the bird. Positive influenza results indicate the bird is infected and shedding virus. The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa confirmed the results and will run further tests on the sample to classify the virus type.
With this latest report, this bring the total number of outbreaks reported in the U.S. over the past 30 days to 16 (11 commercial, 5 backyard), in sharp contrast to last year, when only 1 commercial outbreak was reported in September.
Meanwhile, Canada's CFIA is reporting an early start as well. While they reported no outbreaks between April 11th and October 20th of last year, already they have reported 5 outbreaks across 2 Provinces (Alberta & Quebec) in September.
Across the pond, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the EU Commission have launched a #NoBirdFlu campaign, and communications toolkit.
#NoBirdFlu: clear communications for better biosecurity
Published:
15 September 2025
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission have joined forces to release a new communication toolkit designed to help farmers and anyone coming into contact with farms to safeguard poultry, other animals and people from avian influenza.
The #NoBirdFlu toolkit, launched to coincide with the start of the new migratory season in Europe, aims to raise awareness about the importance of applying simple biosecurity steps, particularly on small and medium-sized farms. By adopting these measures, farmers will help to protect animal and public health, ensure food production stability, and minimize disruptions to trade.
“The launch of #NoBirdFlu highlights how preparedness today can prevent crises tomorrow,” said Nikolaus Kriz, EFSA’s Executive Director. “By working together we can protect our animals, secure food systems and build resilience against future health threats. EFSA is committed to provide the scientific advice needed to keep bird flu out of European farms.”
“With winter approaching, and the threat of avian influenza rising, everyone must play their part in preventing new outbreaks. From farmers, workers and small flock holders, to vets and farm visitors, simple precautions can make a real difference in reducing the spread of this serious disease. This campaign provides practical guidance to help protect flocks and safeguard Europe’s poultry sector,” said Claire Bury, Deputy Director General for Food Sustainability at the European Commission.
The toolkit includes several communication materials, translated in all EU languages, that support farmers in preventing the introduction and spread of avian influenza on their farms.
Main features
Why now?
- A detailed infographic with guidance on hygiene, protective equipment, and movement control for farmers, animals, tools, workers and visitors.
- Posters with visual reminders of key actions to integrate into daily routines.
- Ready-to-use content (stickers, posts) for social media to reach out to farming communities and beyond.
Avian influenza outbreaks can devastate poultry populations, disrupt supply chains, and harm farmers’ livelihoods, as well as have an impact on public health. Incidents of avian influenza in Europe typically rise during the winter months as migratory birds travel and cluster across the continent and proactive measures are critical to prevent the virus from entering or spreading on farms. Every individual interacting with a farm—whether a worker, supplier, or visitor—plays a role in keeping poultry safe.
The toolkit is the result of a joint effort with the European Commission, reflecting a shared commitment to preventing outbreaks before they start and ensuring the sustainability of the EU poultry farming sector.
What’s next?
The European Commission has requested that EFSA conducts research into the risk perception of farmers, veterinarians, and farm workers in Europe on avian influenza to understand how to best tailor future awareness campaigns. This data will inform a broader EU-wide initiative in 2026, designed to strengthen preparedness plans against avian influenza and help reduce the risk of future pandemics.
How to get involved
Support the dissemination of these resources! By sharing clear and consistent messages on improving farm biosecurity, stakeholders and partners across Member States and beyond can play a crucial role in halting the spread of avian influenza in Europe. Download the toolkit now and join us in saying #NoBirdFlu.
While it remains to be seen what kind of a bird flu season lies ahead, early indications are that migratory birds are already spreading the virus, and now is the time for poultry producers, dairy farmers - and other stakeholders - to review and implement their biosecurity plans.