On this episode of The Turkey Talk Show, Summer Lanier from Prestage Farms on the East Coast shares how ongoing diseases like aMPV and HPAI are challenging turkey production. She emphasizes the importance of prevention, seeing early signs, and how new vaccines and close bird monitoring can help protect flocks and reduce losses.
On this episode of The Turkey Talk Show, Summer Lanier from Prestage Farms shares how ongoing diseases like aMPV and HPAI are challenging turkey production. She emphasizes the importance of prevention, seeing early signs, and how new vaccines and close bird monitoring can help protect flocks and reduce losses.
In this episode, Summer Lanier, the ABF Turkey Production Manager at Prestage Farms, on the East Coast talks about the current struggles and changes happening in turkey farming. Having grown up on a turkey farm herself, she shares how tough things have been lately with diseases like aMPV (avian metapneumovirus) and bird flu (HPAI) still causing major issues and lowering turkey production across the industry. She’s hopeful that new live vaccines being developed for aMPV will help turn things around.
She also mentions other diseases popping up, especially on the East Coast—like a turkey version of coronavirus that causes extreme symptoms such as flushing, high fevers, and weakness, even in warm weather. It's hard to treat, and they’re still trying to figure out exactly how it spreads. Overall, the industry has fewer tools than it used too, so vaccine development and prevention have become more important than ever.
Summer points out that aMPV weakens the turkey’s immune system, which opens the door to other illnesses. She’s seen this firsthand on her farm, especially with diseases like rhinovirus causing more problems. She explains that if aMPV can be kept under control, those secondary diseases might ease up too. She encourages farmers to look for patterns—like certain illnesses showing up in spring—and to keep a close eye on their birds, especially after vaccines are given. Early signs like fever or unusual behavior should be taken seriously, and farmers should call their vet right away.
The big message? Pay attention early to prevent bigger problems later. With fewer treatment options available, taking care of birds before they get sick is key. A lot of a turkey’s health comes from its gut, so it’s important they’re eating, drinking, and moving around well. Vaccines might not stop a disease from showing up, but they can help prevent large losses. As things get tougher, the turkey industry is coming together more than ever to support each other and focus on prevention.
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