Are Turkeys at Risk of Bird Flu This Thanksgiving?

"Avian influenza has felled dozens of poultry flocks across the U.S. this autumnand it has hit turkeys particularly hard. Nearly two million turkeys nationwide have been reported dead or culled because of bird flu since September began. With Thanksgiving just two weeks away, will bird flu threaten gobblers at holiday feasts this year? After an expected summer lull in bird flu infections, the virus has reestablished a foothold."

"Such infections and culling efforts have killed more than eight million birds in U.S. poultry flocks overall since September, and one quarter of them have been turkeys. Last year the nation produced a total of 200 million turkeys, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While bird flu has only wiped out 1 percent of the country's annual turkey harvest in the past few months, people may worry about how the pathogen could affect Thanksgiving plans and prices."

Avian influenza resurged after a summer lull and has killed or led to culling of more than eight million birds in U.S. poultry flocks since September. Nearly two million turkeys have died or been culled, representing about one quarter of the losses. The nation produced 200 million turkeys last year, and recent losses equal roughly 1 percent of annual turkey production. Economic incentives, industry prioritization around Thanksgiving, and the ability of companies to shift donations toward sales reduce the likelihood of sharp retail price spikes. The virus could nevertheless affect holiday food supplies and retailer promotions.

Read at www.scientificamerican.com