Vilsack: Bird flu outbreak isn’t over just yet

Jul 22, 2015

No new cases detected in more than a month

Despite no new cases of H5N2 being detected for over a month, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack isn’t ready to declare the outbreak officially over.

Avian influenza

In an interview with The Associated Press, Vilsack said the warmer weather tends to kill the virus, allowing poultry producers in the Midwest to catch a break.

However, as the temperatures begin to cool off, there’s a chance the disease could re-emerge as birds begin flying south.

Vilsack said his staff need to be very aware and take all precautions to prepare for another potential outbreak in the fall.

Secretary Vilsack is expected to meet with poultry groups in Des Moines, Iowa next week. While there, discussions on improved biosecurity and the outbreak’s impact on poultry exports will take place.

Another topic of discussion will revolve around the progress of the vaccine currently being researched by the USDA.

Research on the vaccine started in April, but an update in early June suggests the vaccine doesn’t work well enough to be used in emergency situations.

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said the vaccine doesn’t fight well enough against the H5N2 virus. It’s estimated that four in 10 birds are left unprotected even with the vaccine.

The bird flu outbreak has cost American poultry producers nearly 48 million birds between Iowa and Minnesota. It could cost the USDA approximately $500 million in compensation and cleanup efforts.

Join the conversation and tell us the bird flu’s impact on your farm.

Video: Winter Service Inspections for John Deere Equipment - The FarmCast Ep64

The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.