Federal agriculture officials are sending warnings after a deadly strain of the bird flu was found in a turkey flock in Minnesota. The risk to humans is low. File Photo by Richard Mann/Shutterstock.

ST. PAUL, Minn., March 6 (UPI) -- Federal agriculture officials have issued warnings after a deadly strain of the bird flu decimated a turkey flock in Minnesota.

The United States Department of Agriculture said a "highly pathogenic" strain of the avian influenza killed 15,000 turkeys in Pope County, Minn. It's the same type of flu that's been infecting wild birds in the Pacific Northwest recently.


The H5N2 strain is considered deadly to foul, but low risk to humans.

"These virus strains can travel in wild birds without them appearing sick. People should avoid contact with sick/dead poultry or wildlife," the USDA said in a written statement.

Workers started noticing dead birds in the turkey flock at the end of February. The virus is passed from bird to bird through fecal matter. The Minnesota Department of Health said four workers who came in contact with the dead birds are being monitored.

The first reported case of this strain appeared in Canada and has since made its way through Oregon, Idaho and Washington, which are all considered part of the Pacific flyaway migratory path.

Minnesota produces a majority of turkeys in the U.S., with some 46 million each year.