Bird Flu Hits Three More Minnesota Turkey Farms

(Learfield News/St. Paul, MN) — Three additional turkey operations in Minnesota have been impacted by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

On Tuesday, officials confirmed outbreaks in Kandiyohi County: 30,430 commercial turkey breeder hens, Meeker County: 92,021 commercial turkey meat birds, and Stearns County: 61,038 commercial turkey meat birds.

The virus, which is spread by migrating wild birds, began resurfacing about a month ago.

Dr. Shauna Voss with the Minnesota Poultry Testing Lab in Willmar is urging producers to maintain strict biosecurity measures—keeping wild birds and visitors away from their facilities.

While a vaccine for bird flu does exist, it is not approved for use by the USDA. International trading partners have expressed concerns about purchasing vaccinated birds, which has stalled its adoption.