More U.S. farms hit with avian flu

Nov 13, 2023

One farm in Minnesota has to destroy almost 1 million chickens

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Avian flu is making its way through U.S. poultry operations and backyard flocks.

After a quiet August and September, the disease is spreading through multiple states.

Fourteen U.S. states have at least one confirmed case of avian flu, affecting more than 61 million birds, USDA data shows.

In Iowa, for example, the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship confirmed cases in Taylor and Jones counties on Nov. 9, and then additional cases in Kossuth and Cerro Gordo counties on Nov. 11.

In total, nearly two dozen counties in Iowa have confirmed cases of avian flu, affecting about 1.4 million birds.

North of Iowa in Minnesota, 10 commercial flocks are affected by avian flu, affecting more than 1 million birds.

One operation in Wright County is home to about 940,000 chickens. All will have to be depopulated.

And in Missouri, a commercial broiler breeder in Benton County was confirmed to have avian flu on Nov. 6.

This is the state’s first case since May 18 and is affecting 16,600 birds.

On the west coast, Washington, Oregon and California have confirmed avian flu cases too.

California is the most affected by the disease.

Avian flu was found in one commercial flock, affecting 31,600 birds.

That confirmation came on Oct. 26 on a turkey operation in Merced County.

The USDA has resources available for producers experiencing avian flu outbreaks.

The Defend the Flock program offers free tools to help everyone who works with or handles poultry.

Avian flu outbreaks may also take a toll on a farmer’s mental health.

Farms.com has collected a list of mental health supports farmers can consult should they need it.

Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

If you enjoy seeing how we evaluate our animals, follow along by subscribing to our channel. We share daily insights into the joys and challenges of sheep farming here in Canada.