The order authorizes use of emergency
operations and personnel, including the National Guard if needed, to help farms
maintain healthy flocks and prevent further economic hardship in the state’s
poultry industry.
Minnesota is the country’s top turkey producing and
processing state, with 450 family farmers raising about 46 million turkeys a
year.
The H5N2 strain is spreading rapidly in the state.
It has been confirmed in a total of 46 locations in 16 counties, affecting more
than 2.1 million birds, since the state’s first case was confirmed in a
commercial turkey flock on March 5.
Meanwhile, a Cornell University professor is cautioning
against using vaccines to counter the spread of the virus. The source is
believed to be migrating waterfowl.
If vaccines are used, the U.S. would lose export markets
because it’s not possible to distinguish between a vaccinated and an infected
bird. The tests are to detect antibodies which are generated by either a
vaccine or the virus.
