SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — In a new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, two South Dakota-based commercial flocks of turkeys have reported an infection of bird flu.
According to the USDA report, over 100,000 of the state’s turkeys have been affected by the virus. Those were reported from Faulk and Beadle Counties. In addition to the two commercial flocks, the state’s veterinarian, Dr. Beth Thompson, said there are two additional infected flocks that have not reported yet on the USDA website.
An average turkey farm in South Dakota holds between 50,000 to 60,000 birds.
The infection in the commercial flocks arrived a bit early this year compared to previous years, Thompson said.
“It’s a little early, but not unexpected,” she said.
The migratory season for birds is upcoming as the fall season begins in KELOLAND, which spreads the disease to backyard and commercial poultry.
Thompson had a few predictions as to why the infection arrived a bit early.
“One thing unusual about this year is the amount of rain that we’ve seen in some parts of East River,” she said.
That led to rivers with flooding, which could attract some birds. Farmers hitting the fields for harvest season could also stir up bird activity, Thompson said.
Biosecurity measures are crucial in preventing the spread of the bird flu virus. Some of those precautions include thorough cleaning and disinfecting of equipment and workers wearing the proper protection. It also involves studying how the bird flu could enter a flock.
“Really, the farmers are doing all they can, but we are talking about a virus,” Thompson said.
The USDA’s Veterinary Services steps in with resources when a flock is decimated from disease, which can be costly to farmers.
“They’re really the checkbook that comes in and helps pay for the indemnity and population disposal,” Thompson said.
There are talks of a bird flu vaccine to be approved. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced she had vaccination plans that were presented to her office.
“Hopefully at some point in the future, we might be hearing more about those vaccination plans,” Thompson said.
Thompson said they could hear about those vaccine plans by the end of the calendar year.
Some international trade of broiler birds hinges on access to the bird flu vaccine, which will require additional discussion if it becomes available, Thompson said.
Should the vaccine become available, Thompson believes it will receive a wide acceptance.
For now, food remains safe according to Thompson.
“Consumers can rest east that our food safety is well taken care of, both within our state and across the country,” she said.
