Avian Influenza Plan Does Not Include Turkey Production

National Turkey Federation President John Zimmerman, who farms at Northfield, Minnesota, testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee. Zimmerman acknowledged the new USDA avian influenza strategy, saying the industry appreciates the urgent attention, “but, after a brief overview, it seems only to cover the egg-laying industry. As I have stated in my testimony, the turkey industry has been devastated by HPAI and we ask that any plan also address the urgent needs of the turkey industry.” In addition to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, Zimmerman said the turkey industry is facing losses from another disease called Avian Metapneumovirus.