Highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has increasingly spread to mammals and infected hundreds of people, raising concerns that it may lead to human-to-human transmission and turn into a new pandemic.

The 114 commercial outbreaks in South Dakota have led to the death or intentional killing of more than 6 million turkeys, chickens and other birds.

Richard Pebody said while the virus is ‘not new’ and the risk to the public remains low, its features have changed in recent years.

Gov. Tim Walz and state leaders on Wednesday urged new strategies to protect Minnesotans and agricultural producers from H5N1, an influenza strain that has spread rapidly in the U.S. among wild and domestic birds and dairy farms over the past three years.

If you have sick birds in your BACKYARD flock, please report them to WSDA’s Sick Bird Hotline at 1-800-606-3056. If your farm animals or pets are showing symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. If you have questions about your health, contact your local health jurisdiction or your healthcare provider.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says there is a "unified front" in the state's fight against bird flu, which was recently detected in a Stearns County dairy herd.