H5N1 Bird Flu Impacts Over 200,000 Birds in Minnesota, Turkey Farmers Push for Vaccination Plan
New cases of avian influenza (bird flu) are being reported across Minnesota, affecting over 200,000 birds in at least five counties this month. This resurgence follows a quiet summer, with poultry producers, particularly turkey farmers, experiencing significant losses. Jake Vlaminck, a turkey farmer near Willmar, has had his farm hit twice in the past three years, leading to the depopulation of his flocks and seven-month business shutdowns. Wild birds, such as ducks and geese, are believed to spread the virus during fall migration. Farmers are also concerned about human movement contributing to the virus's spread, especially with fall festivals and agritourism drawing visitors to areas with various poultry. Minnesota is the nation's top turkey-producing state, and over 10 million commercial birds have been lost to bird flu there since 2022. University of Minnesota researchers suggest the virus is likely endemic, indicating a long-term problem.
