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Avian flu spread happening year-round

The spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza has become year-round.

Minnesota Turkey Growers Association executive director Ashley Kohls says until two years ago, most instances of the virus within commercial flocks occurred during spring and fall migration.

“The past two years have been odd in a way, where we’ve had high-path avian influenza in commercial turkeys year-round. And it’s multi-faceted as to why that’s the case, there’s an argument where there could be HPAI endemic in some of the populations.”

She tells Brownfield HPAI in livestock can also increase the presence of the virus.

“Within specific communities where we have dairy and poultry in very close proximity to each other.”

Kohls says growers have robust biosecurity but there will be heightened awareness during spring migration.

“We call it war-time biosecurity where they go even above and beyond where they are on a day-to-day basis to ensure they’re doing everything they can to prevent the introduction of the virus to their flocks.”

Kohls reminds consumers that high-path avian flu is not a food safety concern so people should feel comfortable eating turkey.