Avian flu discovered at turkey farm in Sanpete County, officials say
Sep 26, 2025, 12:22 PM | Updated: 2:07 pm
A microbiologist tests poultry samples collected from a farm located in a control area for the presence of avian influenza, or bird flu, at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory on March 24, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Scott Olson, Getty Images)
(Scott Olson, Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — Agriculture officials confirmed Friday that a “highly pathogenic” avian flu was discovered in a commercial turkey facility in Sanpete County.
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food said all poultry facilities in the area have been quarantined, and the department was working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to respond to the outbreak.
The statement said all birds at the affected facility would be “depopulated” to prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease.
The UDAF said the incident involved a single flock from one facility, totaling approximately 35,000 turkeys, and was “not expected to cause a notable impact on the availability of turkeys in Utah or across the country leading up to Thanksgiving.”
Consumers should feel confident that turkey and poultry products remain safe and readily available,” said UDAF Commissioner Kelly Pehrson.
Still, the UDAF urged poultry owners to keep a close eye on their flocks for signs of avian flu. Those include decreased appetite or water consumption, nasal discharge, lack of coordination and deaths in the flock.
