Minnesota turkey growers are grappling with a significant challenge as avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) sweeps through flocks, causing substantial financial losses. Over the past year, an estimated 2.2 million turkeys have been lost to the virus, costing farms approximately $112 million. Unlike outbreaks of bird flu, there is currently no federal compensation available for losses incurred due to aMPV, leaving farmers in a precarious situation.
The Impact of aMPV
Avian metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus that affects poultry, leading to decreased production, increased mortality, and significant economic strain on farmers. The rapid spread and lack of established control measures have exacerbated the crisis in Minnesota, a major turkey-producing state.
Compensation Gap
The absence of federal compensation for aMPV-related losses highlights a critical gap in the support system for farmers. While bird flu outbreaks trigger federal aid, other devastating diseases like aMPV leave farmers to bear the financial burden alone. This disparity raises questions about the need for a more comprehensive approach to supporting agricultural producers facing disease-related challenges.
Arkansas Turkey Harvest
Turkey hunters in Arkansas reported harvesting 11,332 turkeys during the state’s hunting season, marking a 22% increase from 2024 and the best season since 2016. According to David Moscicki, AGFC Turkey Program coordinator, this is attributed to favorable weather and a rise in the turkey population due to successful hatches in the past four years.
Looking Ahead
The Minnesota turkey crisis underscores the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to emerging diseases. Addressing the compensation gap and developing effective strategies for managing aMPV are crucial steps to ensuring the sustainability of turkey farming and protecting the livelihoods of farmers.