Litchfield Turkey Farmer Hit by Bird Flu Sees Emotional, Financial Toll

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Turkey farmer Greg Langmo says he knew right away when the flock that usually clustered around him turned lethargic that his Minnesota farm had been struck by the bird flu that has shaken the poultry industry.

Part of the loss is financial: Langmo lost more than 30,000 turkeys at his farm near Litchfield, and expects to lose well over $100,000 even after partial government compensation. But a big part is emotional, even for large-scale farmers, who take pride in caring for their birds.

The bird flu has affected nearly 28 million chickens and turkeys at over 100 Midwest farms, mostly in Minnesota and Iowa.

Langmo plans to cut expenses until he can start raising and marketing turkeys again. But he says if his bank account runs dry first, he's finished.