Dayton To Call Emergency Meeting On Bird Flu In Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton will convene his Executive Council on Monday as Minnesota responds to a bird flu outbreak that has killed millions of birds in the state's poultry industry.

The council will consider extending for up to 30 days the state of emergency Dayton declared on Thursday. The governor's order activates an emergency operations plan to support the state response to the epidemic.

On Saturday, Dayton along with U.S. Sen. Al Franken and U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson met with emergency responders and turkey producers in Willmar - home to Jennie-O Turkey Store, the country's No. 2 turkey processor. Kandiyohi County is Minnesota's top turkey producing county.

Franken reportedly said the outbreak is serious because it's not only affected producers but also their families and employees.