Minnesota poultry farmers have been hit hard by the avian influenza outbreak, but the processing industry is also suffering. Minnesota Ag Commissioner Dave Frederickson says they are keeping a close eye on the Jennie-O plant in Willmar which is in the heart of ground zero to assess and impact. However, there have already been layoffs at other Jennie-O locations.

Frederickson says the loss of 5.5 million birds, mostly turkeys at this point, cut to the core of the rural communities that serve these plants.

There were no new cases reported in Minnesota on Wednesday and no cases pending, but state animal health officials warn it may be just a one day break.
Meanwhile, six more probable cases were reported in Iowa which would bring the total to 34 infected flocks.