Tuesday afternoon, Minnesota State Health officials announced USDA has confirmed eight more cases of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza in turkey farms in Minnesota. State Veterinarian Dr. Bill Hartmann says that brings the total number of cases to 22. He says USDA epidemiologists are in Minnesota investigating

Minnesota State Ag Commissioner Dave Frederickson says the economic impact of the disease to the state’s turkey producers is significant.

Minnesota Turkey Growers Executive Director Steve Olson says farmers have been and are continuing to practice good biosecurity to help prevent against the disease.

Dr. Hartmann says because the virus doesn’t like the heat officials are hoping warmer weather will help in curtailing the disease.