Title: Minnesota Egg Operation Culls 1 Million Chickens Amid Bird Flu Outbreak
In a swift response to the bird flu outbreak, a Minnesota egg operation has culled nearly one million chickens in Wright County. The virus was detected earlier this month, triggering disease management protocol which requires all birds at an affected operation to be culled to prevent further spread.
Since the beginning of 2022, Minnesota has witnessed a staggering loss of approximately 5.5 million birds, primarily turkeys. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), typically transmitted through wild migrating birds, has taken advantage of the autumn migration, causing a fresh wave of outbreaks in the state after a relatively quiet spring.
Dr. Beth Thompson, the state veterinarian, has emphasized the urgent need for persistent biosecurity measures in a bid to contain the outbreak. Such measures play a crucial role in preventing and reducing the transmission of the virus between flocks.
Over the past month, more than 350,000 turkeys have been culled across five counties in Minnesota. However, experts reassure the public that the availability and prices of Thanksgiving turkeys are unlikely to be impacted by these outbreaks.
While bird flu does not pose a risk to food safety, it did disrupt the egg supply during the previous winter, leading to record-high prices. Therefore, it is crucial to tackle the outbreak swiftly to minimize potential economic impacts.
Meanwhile, Iowa has been severely impacted by the bird flu outbreak, with approximately 16 million birds culled, mainly comprising egg-laying chickens. Fortunately, the state has not experienced a resurgence of cases among its egg producers this year.
Minnesota health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sick or dead animals found, as well as any unusual occurrences within poultry flocks. The Avian Influenza Hotline has been established as a centralized resource for reporting and information.
As the bird flu outbreak continues to affect poultry operations across the region, proactive measures and increased vigilance remain vital to contain the spread and protect the bird population from further devastation.
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