Bird Flu Hits More Than 200,000 Minnesota Birds

Bird-flu outbreaks have affected more than 200-thousand birds across at least five Minnesota counties this month.

The outbreaks involve commercial turkey and poultry operations. Animal-health officials say fall migration increases the risk because wild birds can carry the virus between locations.

Affected flocks are quarantined and destroyed to prevent the disease from spreading.

Minnesota turkey growers are urging the USDA to develop a vaccination strategy. Federal officials have expressed concern that vaccinations could complicate disease monitoring and international poultry trade.