DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — No birds are on exhibit at the Iowa State Fair this year, as a precaution against the bird flu that ravaged the state’s poultry industry this year.
But Gov. Terry Branstad says Wednesday that the industry is recovering. Speaking outside the Iowa Turkey Federation booth, he said the state will survive the outbreak that has claimed 34 million birds.
Branstad was joined by representatives for the poultry industry, who said they were rebuilding, but it was going to take time.
Iowa Turkey Federation President Ross Thoreson says farms should be restocked with new birds by mid-December. Iowa Egg Council Executive Director Randy Olson says he hopes egg operations will be back at full production next year.
