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Study details factors involved in spread of avian flu

An updated study on how avian influenza is infiltrating turkey farms suggests equipment and age are probably playing a role.

Earlier this month the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, followed up an early June report identifying certain factors that might lead to flocks getting infected.

APHIS studied 81 turkey farms across the Midwestern United States and concluded that the farms typically followed biosecurity protocols, but vehicles, people and buildings could transmit the disease.

Preventative procedures used included spraying vehicle tires with disinfectant at the farm entrance, requiring visitors and employees to wear coveralls, disposable boot covers and rodent control.

The updated report, issued July 15^th, also found that adult turkeys may be more susceptible to the virus. According to APHIS, more than fifty percent of the infected birds were at least halfway through their typical lifecycle of 12 to 22 weeks. APHIS says extra vigilance may be needed while birds are in the mid to latter part of life stage before going to market.