Breaking News:

HEALTH

Could avian flu affect Thanksgiving in Utah?

Nov 4, 2024, 6:00 PM

Turkeys roam the lawn of Nathan Hege,  bishop of the Northern Utah Mennonite Church, at his home a...

FILE: Turkeys roam the lawn of Nathan Hege. Wednesday, June 24, 2020. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)

(Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)

CACHE COUNTY, Utah — After avian flu turned up in chickens and cows in Cache County, state officials are keeping a close watch on turkeys.

So far, the flocks are safe. But state officials are concerned.

Avian flu is highly contagious and deadly to turkeys. The Avian strain, or the common strain, spreads to the turkeys through wild migratory waterfowl.

However, according to State Veterinarian Dan Christensen, the danger to the turkey farms in central Utah may be over. The migration season for the waterfowl is ending.

“But we are crossing our fingers that we’re past the worst of the risk with the migratory waterfowl. Hoping that we just go the rest of the season without any of our turkey facilities contracting the virus.”

Christensen said every fall they always see a number of states with cases. So as a precaution, the state’s Department of Agriculture and Food asked the Utah Division of Wildlife to help the turkey farms. 

“We partner with our wildlife folks that’ll go and help them do an assessment of their premise and help them kind of shore up their defenses to how they can prevent these migratory waterfowl from getting in and spreading [the] virus,” said Christensen. 

So far, there is no concern for humans who eat the infected poultry.

Christensen also said there have been reports of pigs contracting the disease. Oregon recently reported two cases of bird flu in pigs.

Officials said they are watching the issue closely before imposing any restrictions on the pig farms in southern Utah.

“We haven’t changed our stance with our swine industry yet in Utah because it is so new and emerging right now,” said Christensen.

Related:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Health

FILE - People wave signs to passing cars during a pro-transgender rights protest outside of Seattle...

LEA SKENE Associated Press

Federal judge pauses President Trump’s order restricting gender-affirming care for trans youth

Trumps order blocks support for gender-affirming health care for transgender people under age 19.

8 hours ago

A bill that would have eliminated cost-sharing from follow-up breast cancer examinations is now on ...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Utah bill to expand breast cancer coverage put on hold

A bill that would have eliminated cost-sharing from follow-up breast cancer examinations is now on hold.

16 hours ago

Respiratory illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are on the rise across the U.S....

Michelle Lee

Simple ways to keep respiratory illnesses away

Let’s Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with Nicole Henry with CVS to learn what we can do to protect ourselves from respiratory illnesses.

5 days ago

Kaysville City officials confirmed that the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District had added water ...

Simone Seikaly

Kaysville City tells residents why water smells like chlorine

Weber officials recently added water from groundwater wells, which, because of extra processing, created the chlorine smell.

7 days ago

wegovy, one of many weight loss drugs...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Popular weight loss drugs may play a factor in vision loss, review shows

Ingredients in popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro may play a role in vision complications, such as eye stroke.

8 days ago

The Weber County Animal Shelter reported it had to euthanize at least 18 dogs after a canine parvov...

Simone Seikaly

Parvovirus outbreak leads to euthanizations at Weber County Animal Services

The Weber County Animal Shelter said it had to euthanize at least 18 dogs that had been vaccinated but contracted parvovirus anyway.

9 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

Could avian flu affect Thanksgiving in Utah?