TAYLORSVILLE — Turkeys Culled Due to Avian Flu Outbreak
Nearly 35,000 turkeys were recently culled after highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected at a turkey facility in central Utah, state agriculture officials reported on Friday.
The flu was found at an undisclosed site in Sanpete County, prompting the decision to depopulate the flock to prevent further spread of the viral infection, which often leads to high mortality rates in birds. Officials from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food mentioned they’re collaborating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to investigate the situation.
Other commercial sites in the area have been quarantined as both state and federal authorities coordinate additional surveillance and testing nearby. Commissioner Kelly Pehrson commented that the incident involves “a single round of birds from one facility,” and it’s not anticipated to significantly impact turkey availability in Utah or nationwide ahead of Thanksgiving.
“Losing this flock is a major setback for the producer and the community, and our team is working closely with them to minimize the risk of spreading to other facilities,” he added.
This incident represents Utah’s first significant outbreak of avian influenza in several months, following multiple outbreaks across the state in the fall of 2024. Additionally, suspected cases were identified in wild bird populations earlier this year, leading to the deaths of an estimated 15,000 to 25,000 grebes around the Great Salt Lake. Typically, the flu spreads through contact with migratory waterfowl.
Since early 2022, more than 4.3 million birds have been impacted by avian influenza in Utah, affecting dozens of commercial and backyard flocks, according to reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Nationwide increases in avian flu cases, especially in 2022 and late 2024, were contributors to soaring egg prices, which remained elevated into this year. As of March, U.S. farmers had to cull over 165 million birds, including more than 30 million egg-laying hens.
Although prices have decreased since the peak, they are still above historical averages. In August, large Grade A eggs averaged about $3.59 per dozen, down from a high of $6.23 in March, compared to $1.33 per dozen five years ago.
Previously, the highest price recorded was $2.97 per dozen in 2015 during a smaller avian influenza outbreak. The average price of boneless chicken has also dropped from a record $4.75 per pound in September 2022 to $4.21 in August of this year, though it remains $1.25 per pound above the lowest point from the past five years.
Turkey prices generally vary based on demand, and Pehrson stated that Utah consumers “should feel confident that turkey and poultry products remain safe and readily available” despite the recent outbreak.
Poultry owners are urged to closely monitor their birds for signs of avian influenza, such as unusually high mortality rates and symptoms including nasal discharge, decreased appetite or water intake, and lack of coordination. They are also advised to contact the Utah State Veterinarian’s Office immediately if these symptoms arise.
While there have been some cases in humans since 2022, officials emphasize that the highly pathogenic avian influenza does not pose an “immediate risk to public health.”
