The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Rural Finance Authority (RFA) Board has declared an emergency for three animal diseases—avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV), highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and the H5N1 flu virus—allowing affected Minnesota farmers to apply for zero-interest Disaster Recovery Loans. The emergency declaration covers livestock losses sustained between February 12, 2025, and February 12, 2026.
“The RFA Board’s declaration is an important step in helping Minnesota farmers affected by these animal health diseases,” said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “I encourage those who have faced livestock losses to explore these zero-interest loans.”
Understanding the Declared Animal Diseases
Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV)--A highly infectious respiratory disease in poultry that weakens birds’ immune systems, leading to secondary infections and high mortality. Minnesota has reported 871 positive cases since April 2024, though the actual number is likely higher. Unlike HPAI, aMPV currently lacks financial support programs for affected producers.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)--A deadly viral disease affecting domestic and wild birds. Since the first confirmed Minnesota case in March 2022, HPAI has impacted 185 flocks and resulted in the loss of 9.1 million domestic birds, mainly turkeys. Four new cases have been reported in 2025.
H5N1 Flu Virus--While this avian influenza virus is deadly for poultry, it has also been detected in dairy cattle and other animals, though it rarely causes fatalities in cows. The outbreak in dairy cattle first appeared in Texas in March 2024, with Minnesota’s first case reported in June 2024. No cases have been reported in 2025.
Disaster Recovery Loan Program Details
- The Disaster Recovery Loan Program provides zero-interest financing to Minnesota farmers recovering from declared disasters or hardship events, including animal disease outbreaks. These funds can be used for expenses not covered by insurance, such as
livestock and poultry replacement - Building repairs or improvements
- Compensation for lost revenue caused by confirmed outbreaks
Eligible farmers must work with their local lender to secure a loan through the RFA. For full eligibility details and application information, visit the Disaster Recovery Loan Program webpage on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s website.
About the Rural Finance Authority
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Rural Finance Authority (RFA) is the state’s agricultural lender, dedicated to developing farm resources and offering low-interest loan programs to support Minnesota farmers.
