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WAHPETON, N.D. (AP) — A southeastern North Dakota turkey farmer is taking precautions to ensure his flock isn't hit with avian influenza after a dangerous strain of the virus surfaced in other Midwestern states.
Dave Muehler of rural Hankinson has become increasingly concerned amid a spike in cases confirmed in Minnesota. State and federal authorities said Friday that there were 13 farms affected in Minnesota. The virus already has led to the deaths of tens of thousands of turkeys on at least two farms in the western part of the neighboring state.
As of Friday, more than 1 million birds have been lost, with Minnesota heavily affected. Other states seeing cases include South Dakota, Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas.
Muehler told the Wahpeton Daily News (http://bit.ly/1adf9a5 ) that he's enforcing extra measures to protect 40,000 turkeys at Muehler Turkey Farms Inc. He said he's trying to limit the number of people allowed on the farm and cross-contamination from equipment between turkey barns.
Passersby aren't allowed in the turkey barns, and Muehler said workers have left coveralls and foot gear in separate barns to avoid moving the virus from one barn to another.
The disease can be spread through migratory waterfowl, and Muehler said they fly over his turkey barns every day. He said their droppings could get on equipment.
"You can do everything right and there are still certain things out of your control," Muehler said. "You've got that bird that flies over and leaves some droppings right behind them, and that opens the door."
Officials have said the risk to the public is low. There have been no reported U.S. cases of humans being infected by this particular bird flu strain.
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