State veterinarian broaches possibility that bird flu might spread farm to farm in Minnesota

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State veterinarian broaches possibility that bird flu might spread farm to farm in Minnesota

Article by: STEVE KARNOWSKI , Associated Press Updated: May 6, 2015 - 3:45 PM


MINNEAPOLIS ?...

Experts downplayed that possibility in the early days of the outbreaks...

State Veterinarian Bill Hartmann told reporters Wednesday there's still no confirmation of any lateral spread. But he says veterinarians in the poultry industry now suspect the virus may be spreading that way. He says there's still no hard evidence to substantiate that.

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http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/302821521.html

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Landing | Wed May 6, 2015 7:50pm EDT

Despite U.S. efforts, bird flu thought to spread between farms

CHICAGO | BY TOM POLANSEK

May 6 (Reuters) - ...
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which until now has focused on water fowl spreading the bird flu, is investigating "the potential transmission of virus between operations," a spokeswoman said. There are a number of ways the virus may be introduced to farms, she added.
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In Minnesota, the biggest U.S. turkey producing state, delays in the killing of infected poultry flocks may have led to "a couple of cases" of the flu spreading from one farm to another, said Steve Olson, executive director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association.

Delays could have kept the virus on infected farms for longer than desired, allowing the wind to blow contaminated particles to a nearby facility, he said.

Government officials hire workers to kill birds from infected flocks, and normally try to kill them within two to three days after infections are confirmed, Olson said.

Minnesota was "a few days behind at some point" on culling infected flocks, but has since caught up, he said.
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If confirmed, a lateral spread "would represent a failure in biosecurity," said John Glisson, vice president of research for the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association. (Reporting by Tom Polansek; Editing by Bernard Orr)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/...0XX3VG20150506