Since early July, the United States had reported no new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry-until now. On August 28, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed an HPAI outbreak in Faulk County, South Dakota, forcing the destruction of 55,400 turkeys to halt spread.

Days later, state authorities in North Dakota confirmed a second outbreak in Dickey County, close to the state border with South Dakota. According to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, 60,000 birds were culled after testing positive for avian flu.

"After a quiet summer, it's not unexpected that we have another case of HPAI as birds are gathering to begin the fall migration," said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, drawing attention to seasonal migration as a key vector. State veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress noted that because large flocks of waterfowl, such as snow geese, had yet to migrate south, the virus may have been transmitted by local wild birds-a persistent reservoir for avian influenza viruses.

Avian influenza circulates widely among wild bird populations and can spread through direct contact, contaminated food, or water sources. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assesses the public health risk as low, it warns the virus has jumped species to dairy cattle and humans, resulting in one documented human fatality in recent months.

Meanwhile, the USDA also reports outbreaks of avian flu in a Los Angeles County live-bird market and among backyard flocks in St. Lawrence County, New York during August. These incidents underline the persistent threat posed by HPAI across diverse poultry sectors-from commercial flocks to backyard operations and markets.

Since 2020, the poultry industry in the U.S. has battled multiple avian influenza strains, requiring robust biosecurity measures, vigilant surveillance, and comprehensive industry-USDA collaboration. These recent outbreaks-coinciding with fall migration, input cost pressures, and supply chain strains-signal a renewed need for heightened preparedness across farm operations, co-ops, and state agencies.

With commodity prices fluctuating and crop insurance and livestock risk management more critical than ever, the resurgence of avian flu highlights how animal health issues can ripple through the entire agricultural economy. Precision agriculture tools, improved surveillance systems, and deeper supply chain coordination will be essential to mitigate impacts as the season advances.