U.S. bird flu outbreak may mean no turkey for Thanksgiving

[BlueStateSaint]

My BIL was out this weekend and popped a tom . . .

U.S. bird flu outbreak may mean no turkey for Thanksgiving

P.J. Huffstutter

CHICAGO — Reuters

Published Tuesday, May. 05 2015, 7:52 AM EDT

Last updated Tuesday, May. 05 2015, 8:52 AM EDT

The largest-ever U.S. outbreak of avian influenza, which has devastated Midwestern poultry and egg producers in recent weeks, could be felt at Thanksgiving tables across the nation come November, farmers and some trade groups say.

The virulent H5N2 strain has already spread to 14 states and led to the deaths or scheduled euthanizations of more than 21 million birds, including 3.3 million turkeys in Minnesota, the nation’s top turkey producer.

And now, with Thanksgiving just seven months away, farmers say they may be running out of time to raise enough turkeys –the traditional centerpiece of holiday feasts – to meet the demand.

Once a farm has been infected, flocks must be culled, composted in barns, then disposed of. Buildings must then be thoroughly disinfected. The whole process can take up to three months before a new flock of turkey poults can be brought in, said Steve Olson, executive director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association.

After chicks are re-introduced to the barns, farmers say, it typically takes about four months to produce a full-sized hen – the type of turkey most Americans prefer for their holiday feasts.

Again, a good shotgun can take care of this problem . . . and a good eye.

Got the link from Drudge, and here it is:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/bird-flu-outbreak-may-mean-no-turkey-for-thanksgiving/article24252548/

[J P Sousa]

[obumazombie]

We're being inundated with hype stories of bird flu again.
They weren't satisfied when their last pursuit of bird flu ended up being a big nothingburger.

[Ptarmigan]

Bird flu is a plot by bunnies like louping ill virus is for ptarmigans.

http://conservativecave.com/index.php?topic=101964.0

[thundley4]

We're being inundated with hype stories of bird flu again.
They weren't satisfied when their last pursuit of bird flu ended up being a big nothingburger.

Several states have already seen huge losses by the states largest chicken farms. Turkey seller Jennie-O is laying people off. I don't think this one is being over-hyped by much if any.

[obumazombie]

Several states have already seen huge losses by the states largest chicken farms. Turkey seller Jennie-O is laying people off. I don't think this one is being over-hyped by much if any.

I was talking about the hype that bird flu would be infectious to humans.
The effect of all the hype was to foist large financial losses on the poultry industry.
It seems to be sizing up the same way this time too.

[BlueStateSaint]

I was talking about the hype that bird flu would be infectious to humans.
The effect of all the hype was to foist large financial losses on the poultry industry.
It seems to be sizing up the same way this time too.

OZ, virologists have said repeatedly that this bird flu virus is a mutation or two away from being as bad as the influenza outbreak of 1918.  That one killed a whole bunch of people worldwide.  Millions.  A lot of them in the USA.