3 More Minnesota Farms Hit By Bird Flu, State Total Now 97

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Three more Minnesota turkey farms have been hit by probable cases of bird flu, raising the state's total to 97.

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health says the presumptive new cases reported Wednesday include flocks in Brown, Meeker and Kandiyohi counties. Flock sizes for the affected farms are still being determined. But the outbreaks have cost Minnesota producers more than 8 million turkeys and chickens since early March.

Birds on 87 of the affected farms that didn't die of the disease itself already have been euthanized. The carcass disposal process is complete on 23 farms, which are now working on cleaning and disinfecting. Once officials determine the virus is no longer present, barns must sit empty for 21 days before being released from quarantine.