by Ben Nuelle World of Agriculture 8-2-16
Iowa has been avian influenza free for over a year now but it doesn?t mean it?s not in the back of turkey farmers minds.
Gretta Irwin is Executive Director of the Iowa Turkey Federation.
She says this last year they?ve been super busy collaborating with other ag groups about what to do if another avian flu outbreak strikes again.
?Talking with researchers and working trying to work with farmers to make sure we have the best plan in place just in-case something like this comes back again.?
Irwin says most farmers are back to where they were before the outbreak.
?The farmers have been paid. The settlements are there. The payments they received really kind of brought them back to somewhat level if not below level. It didn?t fill the hole but took away some of the sting for them.?
She says they will still continue to work with them on biosecurity plans.
Irwin says to help Dr. Jim Hansen, a USDA Veterinarian has been assigned to their office to answer questions.
