Bird flu hitting South Dakota poultry producers

PIERRE, S.D.(KJJQ)- The Bird Flu is hitting South Dakota poultry producers again this fall.  Eight commercial flocks have reported outbreaks since it reappeared in the state towards the end of October. That has impacted more than 300,000 birds.

The bird flu is likely spread to commercial flocks by migrating wild birds.

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission received a report on the disease at their meeting last week.

Chad Switzer is Deputy Director of the Department of Wildlife for the G-F-and-P. He says they’ve seen avian influenza in many different species of wild birds.

Switzer says the bird flu has been detected in mammals.

The risk to humans seems to be quite low.

He also recommends keeping any wild bird remains away from backyard chicken coops.