This time in 2022, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza was making headlines with spring migration picking up. Minnesota Turkey Growers Association President Pete Klaphake says last year’s outbreak changed the whole industry. “There was a large number of birds that were lost throughout the year whether they were directly infected with the virus or happened to be on a farm where the virus was detected. It altered everybody’s schedules, it altered our pulp placements which is when we get our started birds, which not only affects that particular flock but can be all the subsequent flocks that follow it because as you get pushback starting birds, your process dates get pushed back.” Klaphake, co-owner and operator of R & L Turkeys, says the cold temperatures have been holding off cases of avian influenza. The start of thaw will no-doubt bring more migratory waterfowl, which will cause HPAI cases to increase.
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