The Coronavirus pandemic has created some packing plant shutdowns. Some pork producers have had to euthanize their animals. Minnesota State Veterinarian Dr. Beth Thompson says if producers are forced to euthanize it’s recommended they document why they had to take that step.

She says once producers get through the COVID 19 pandemic it will give them and animal health officials time to develop ways of dealing with animals that need to be processed when these type of events occur.

Thompson says the best thing producers can do is work with their veterinarian on any health or depopulation issues they’re faced with.

Thompson says it’s her board that has the authority of handling any euthanization or depopulation issue.

Thompson says there is no reporting of euthanized animals required in Minnesota so neither the Board of Animal Health or State Agriculture Department has that information. Although State Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen said there have been less than 10,000 euthanized in the last week.