It’s been a year since avian flu wiped out nine-and-a-half million turkeys in Minnesota, and an expert says the industry is just about back to full speed. Doctor Dale Lauer with the U-of-M’s Poultry Testing Lab in Willmar says bird flu hurt more than processing plants: “It affected the breeding flocks and the hatcheries and the source of poults for the next generation, and so it certainly takes a long time to recover from that,” he says. Lauer calls last summer’s avian flu outbreak a “perfect storm” caused by a cool, wet spring combined with a highly pathogenic virus and lack of preparation.
Responding to the bird flu, the Minnesota Legislature last year appropriated 8.5 million dollars to expand the Willmar Poultry Testing Lab. Lauer says when it’s up and operating in August, they will be able to test for viruses a lot quicker, instead of transporting samples to Saint Paul. Lauer says the exterior of the new lab is complete and they’re purchasing new equipment and interviewing additional staff. A grand opening is planned for mid-September.