(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

Avian influenza has been detected in three Minnesota Counties, two of them on Friday.

According to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, samples from a commercial turkey flock in Meeker County and backyard chickens, ducks and geese in Mower County tested positive on Friday for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

Nearly 290,000 turkeys were affected at the commercial turkey barn in Meeker County, while 17 affected birds were detected in Mower County. In addition, a commercial turkey barn with 24,000 birds was affected in Sterns County.

The Board of Animal Health says the affected flocks will be euthanized to prevent the virus from spreading, and barns must be cleaned and disinfected before they can be used again.

State officials say this is not a risk to public safety. Avian influenza is spread to humans by direct contact with birds or their environment. Minnesota is ranked number one in the nation for turkey production.