Bird flu hits two more MN turkey farms

State and federal officials Monday said seven Minnesota commercial turkey operations have now been infected with avian influenza.

The latest cases were found on a 76,000-bird farm in Stearns County and at a 26,000-bird farm in Kandiyohi County.

Both sites have been placed under quarantine by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health.

Officials emphasized the food system is safe. "No human infections with the virus have been detected at this time," the United States Department of Agriculture said in a statement.

Animal health officials said they are working now with the producers of the affected farms on a plan to kill and dispose of remaining birds and disinfect the operations.

Avian flu investigators looking for the cause of the deadly disease think migrating ducks could be the key. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is looking for waterfowl that may carry the highly pathogenic influenza disease.