More outbreaks of H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza are prompting concerns within Europe’s poultry industry. The World Health Organization reports the disease has spread across several European countries. Steve Olson, Executive Director of the Minnesota Turkey Grower’s Association says his state’s producers as well as all those in the U.S. should stay vigilant and keep on top of their biosecurity efforts.
He says while the expansion of the outbreak in Europe is disturbing it’s not unexpected.
Olson says producers need to keep practicing good biosecurity and work with the USDA and others to monitor the wild bird populations.
Over a dozen countries in Europe have been hit by the recent bird flu outbreak.