Latest news with #BrianHoefs
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MN Turkey Growers, Turkey Research Council elect board members, officers
Jul. 11—BUFFALO — The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and the Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council elected board members and officers during the 2025 Summer Summit last month in Alexandria. The 2025-2026 officer team for the Minnesota Growers Association will continue with Jake Vlaminck, of as president; Shane Wilhelm, of Richmond, as vice president; and Nate Van Beck, of as treasurer, according to a news release from the association. Newly elected to the board of directors is Josh Meyer, of The Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council re-elected Butch Brey, of New Ulm, as president; with Tim Miller, of Hanska, as vice president; and Peter Gruhl, of Willmar, as treasurer. Newly elected to the promotion council's board of directors is Thomas Schwarz, of LeSueur. The Summer Summit event also featured award presentations, educational sessions and updates on the latest advancements in turkey production, health, marketing and policy, according to the news release. Gorica Rajcic-Spasojevic, of Willmar, was among the individuals honored for contributions to Minnesota's turkey industry. Rajcic-Spasojevic received the Allied Industry Lifetime Achievement Award. John Zimmerman, of Northfield, was honored with the Ranelius Award for dedicated service and leadership. Dr. Brian Hoefs, Minnesota state veterinarian, was given the President's Award for outstanding advocacy and community outreach on behalf of turkey growers. The works to enhance the success of the turkey industry through member engagement and education, advocacy with legislators and public outreach that includes training and youth programs to emphasize career opportunities, according to its website. The is the body that oversees voluntary checkoff dollars. According to its website, the council initiates research on industry challenges including turkey health and welfare, promotes turkey consumption and educates the public about its nutritional benefits.
CBS News
24-03-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Bird flu detected in Stearns County dairy herd, Minnesota officials say
H5N1, also known as bird flu, has been found in a Stearns County dairy herd, according to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). Authorities say the virus was detected in samples collected as part of the state's milk surveillance plan, which launched last month . The Board of Animal Health has quarantined the Stearns County herd until they meet testing requirements showing it's no longer infected. "Our surveillance and response approach to H5N1 is a team effort to ensure we're covering all angles where it's detected and limiting its ability to spread," said state veterinarian Dr. Brian Hoefs. MDA says there is no concern for the safety of the public milk supply. All milk sold in stores is pasteurized to kill bacteria and viruses. Dairy farms are also required to dispose of milk from sick animals to remove it from the milk supply. H5N1 testing is done on pre-pasteurized, or raw, cow milk collected from each of Minnesota's approximately 1,600 dairy farms monthly. "Identifying which dairy herds are infected is important so we can prevent disease spread and protect both animal and human health," said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) also monitors the health of people who have direct contact with infected animals or their environment. MDH provides public health recommendations to help reduce the risk for infection, testing, antivirals and personal protective equipment, if needed. MDA says dairy farmers should monitor their herd and contact their veterinarian immediately if cows appear sick. This is the first time bird flu has been detected since the milk surveillance program began. This is also the first time H5N1 was detected in a dairy herd since June 2024 . State officials say the risk to the public from bird flu currently remains low.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bird flu confirmed in Stearns County dairy herd, state officials announce
State officials have confirmed that H5N1 influenza, also known as bird flu, has been detected in a Stearns County dairy herd. The discovery marks the first detection of bird flu in a dairy herd since last summer, and the first since Minnesota launched a program to test raw cow milk for bird flu last month, amid nationwide concerns of the virus jumping from poultry flocks to cows. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health says the 620-cow herd will be quarantined until they meet requirements proving they are no longer infected. "There is no concern for the safety of the public milk supply, as all milk sold in stores is pasteurized to kill bacteria and viruses, and pasteurization has been shown to effectively eliminate active H5N1 virus present in milk," it said. "While under quarantine, the herd will be able to apply for movement permits for animals and animal products such as waste milk and manure. Milk sold for pasteurization does not need a permit and is allowed to go to processing to facilitate business while keeping the risk of the spread of disease low," said State Veterinarian, Dr. Brian Hoefs. "Our surveillance and response approach to H5N1 is a team effort to ensure we're covering all angles where it's detected and limiting its ability to spread." The state is now testing raw milk samples from Minnesota's 1,600 dairy farms on a monthly basis to detect bird flu. Symptoms of bird flu in cows include fever, a drop in milk production, loss of appetite, and changes in manure consistency. Dairy farms are already required to dispose of milk from sick animals to remove it from the supply. The bird flu quarantine will require the farm to have three consecutive negative milk tests. "Identifying which dairy herds are infected is important so we can prevent disease spread and protect both animal and human health," said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen in a Monday press release. "Regular sampling and testing will allow the MDA and partners to identify where the virus is present, monitor trends, and prevent spread of the virus in order to protect unaffected dairy herds and poultry flocks."
