The North Dakota Department of Agriculture reports it has received confirmation of the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard chicken flock in Stutsman County from the North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, according to information from the state department. “This is the first case of HPAI in poultry in the state this year,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “Protecting our North Dakota producers, who raise approximately 1 million commercial birds annually, and our many backyard bird owners is a high priority.” Avian influenza is sometimes called bird flu or avian flu. The State Board of Animal Health and the North Dakota Department of Agriculture are working closely with the USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and local officials in the response, according to the N.D. Department of Agriculture. The premises have been quarantined and are being depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Domestic birds in a 6.2-mile control zone around the affected farm are being contacted and monitored to help prevent the spread of HPAI. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system. The detection triggers the suspension of commingling poultry/bird events both in Stutsman County and birds from Stutsman County. If no new cases emerge in 30 days, the suspension will be automatically lifted for that county. There is no immediate public health concern due to this finding. The risk to people from HPAI is low despite the disease often causing mortality for birds. Human cases of HPAI in the U.S. are extremely rare and no human cases have been detected in North Dakota. “The HPAI virus continues to circulate in wild birds. Waterfowl continue to be the primary concern, but any wild birds can potentially spread the virus,” State Veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress said. “Remember to restrict access to property, keep wild birds away from other birds, and practice enhanced biosecurity. Birds should be kept indoors, especially during the spring and fall migration.” Avian influenza exists in many wild birds and can be transmitted by contact with infected birds or ingestion of infected food and water.