The first turkey farm infected with High Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Iowa has started restocking their barn with birds. Brad Moline of Manson was confirmed to have the virus on May 18. This farm has six barns that hold a total of 43,000 poults and finisher turkeys and started repopulating on July 31. Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey says there will be many operations that will follow suit.

Northey says many of the poultry farms impacted by AI are restocking slowly, since APHIS has still not determined how the virus spread. However, the thinks only a few operations will decide not to repopulate at all.

He says producers shouldn’t fear that USDA won’t indemnify if the virus hits again this fall. He says they are covered as long as they followed the proper protocol regarding depopulation, disposal, cleaning and disinfecting.

Northey says APHIS officials are unsure if the bird flu will be as viral if it does strike again. However, poultry operators have been remodeling facilities and tightening up their biosecurity to hopefully prevent another outbreak.