Veterinarians and testing labs in Tennessee are preparing for an epidemic.
The bird flu strain that wiped out flocks in the Midwest over the last six months may be heading to the Volunteer State.
The State Department of Agriculture is preparing as if an outbreak is imminent, because if it makes it to Tennessee, staff want to be ready.
“This is the biggest animal health disaster outbreak in U.S. History,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Charlie Hatcher.
Poultry is a billion dollar industry in Tennessee, but for Poultry Hollow Hatchery owner Judy Wood it’s not just about the money.
To say she’s affectionate for her birds barely pecks the surface.
“It’s like having all these little kids but you don’t have to put them through college,” she laughed.
Wood raises more than 35 breeds of chickens along with dozens of pheasants, turkeys and other birds and sells them to farms and individuals.
She’s very strict about their care and does not ever take a bird off property with plans to return, even to shows or fairs.
“You never know what you’re gonna bring home. We just don’t (continue reading at NewsChannel5)