A University of Minnesota study shows farmers tilling fields near poultry barns potentially contaminated with wild waterfowl feces may have helped spread the bird flu by freeing airborne particles that could carry the virus. Minnesota Turkey Grower’s Association Executive Director Steve Olson says the findings reaffirmed what they already knew which was tillage combined with heavy and gusty winds was a risk factor.

He says the findings give producers some strategies to mitigate future avian influenza outbreaks.

Olson says to prevent bird flu farmers may also need to change to no or minimum tillage around poultry facilities, combined with improved strategies by poultry producers.

The study also found that farms with vehicle wash stations aimed at stopping the bird flu’s spread may have actually contributed to it.