According to ksl, turkeys may cost more this year due to the avian flu or “bird flu,” but there probably won’t be a shortage.
This bird flu will be more of a blow to the economy than to the holiday season. And turkey farms in Sanpete County were hit especially hard.
Out of the 40 turkey farms in the county, 16 have been affected by the flu. And 700,000 infected turkeys have had to be put down in an effort to slow the spread of disease.
As a result, turkey prices have risen from $3.16 per pound to $6.70 per pound. Ouch!
About the Bird Flu
The avian flu is not much of a threat for humans, but it is killing turkeys and chickens across the United States by the millions.
Right now, bird flu is most easily spread by migrating waterfowl, such as ducks and geese. These birds often carry the virus without showing any symptoms.
Domestic flocks can catch the disease by sharing water or food with the wild birds.
Stepping in bird feces and carrying it to other places on your shoes is another easy way to spread the flu.
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is urging the public to help stop the spread of disease by staying away from infected areas and being careful “you’re not tracking the avian flu around.”
Find the most recent case updates and resources here.
– The Byway
Feature image caption: Close-up of a normal, not diseased turkey. Courtesy Magda Ehlers, pexels.