Last winter the U.S poultry industry was hit with a major outbreak of avian influenza. The flu only effected poultry, mainly chickens and turkeys and did not spread to people or other animals, but, according to Dr Mark Ernst, Illinois State Veterinarian, the outbreak devastated the poultry industry.
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As a result of the avian flu outbreak, broilers and eggs were in tight supply for a while, but producers have recovered and supplies have increased… Ernst says turkey production continues to increase and there should be plenty of turkey available for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.
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But with cold weather, and flu season on the way, the poultry industry is on the alert, hoping new biosecurity measures implemented this year will prevent a repeat of last winter’s outbreak.