Avian flu confirmed in mid Missouri turkey flock

Avian flu has been confirmed in a commercial turkey flock in central Missouri’s Osage County. 

The Missouri Department of Agriculture has quarantined the affected area, and birds on the property have been killed.

The state is working with the federal government to do additional surveillance and testing in the areas around the affected flock. 

All poultry producers are encouraged to tighten their biosecurity practices around the farm.

Producers should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds, and report sick birds or an unusual increase in death loss to a local veterinarian or the state veterinarian’s office.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture says avian influenza does not present a food safety risk.

It says poultry and eggs are safe to eat.

Always properly handle poultry products and cook those products to proper temperatures.