Poultry meetings set for this week

DES MOINES, Iowa - A bird flu that resulted in the deaths of 48 million chickens and turkeys has finally waned, but industry officials and government researchers will gather this week in Des Moines to discuss next steps if the virus returns this fall or next spring.
The Georgia-based U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has organized meetings Tuesday and Wednesday in Des Moines, where industry officials and government researchers will discuss what caused the outbreak and how to respond more effectively to future problems.
The organization, which represents egg and meat chicken companies as well as businesses handling turkeys, ducks and breeding stock, opted to largely close the meetings, saying they wanted participants to feel comfortable talking freely.