The Raptor Center at the U of M detects avian flu for first time since July

The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota confirmed its first case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza since July, the center posted Friday.

An adult great horned owl was said to have tested positive after entering the center’s quarantine facility.

The bird was showing “severe signs of illness” and did not make it to the animal hospital before it died, the center says.

The Raptor Center says it will continue to test all birds it receives, adding that staff members anticipate more positive tests in the coming days.

Anyone who wants updates can check the center’s Facebook page or website.

HPAI was detected in a Meeker County turkey flock at the end of August. Since then, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has posted detections in Hennepin and Morrison counties.

Visit this link to see the latest USDA data for nationwide HPAI infections.