The Minnesota Board of Animal Health has confirmed recent cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in three commercial turkey flocks across the state. HPAI was confirmed last week in a flock in Blue Earth County affecting more than 11 thousand birds, followed by a second case in Redwood County affecting some 29 thousand birds. A third outbreak was confirmed later in the week in Stearns County, where a flock of some 15 thousand turkeys also tested positive.
Minnesota Turkey Growers Association President Jake Vlaminck says he’s not surprised by the return of bird flu, which often accompanies the fall migration of wild birds.
Vlaminck says this past session, the Minnesota Legislature appropriated money to help poultry growers purchase and install lasers on their barns, which help to scare away migrating birds…
“They seem to be effective. I have four of them myself. It helps keep wild birds away. I mean, sometimes I still get some gulls, but nothing like what I’ve seen before the lasers.”
Vlaminck says poultry producers would like to see vaccines developed for HPAI. Meanwhile, state officials continue to monitor the situation closely and are working with producers to contain the spread.
(content: courtesy MNN)
