Local business preparing for bird flu to hit area WPXI [Video]

PENN HILLS, Pa. — According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the H5N1 virus – known commonly as the avian flu or bird flu – has been found in nearly three dozen dairy cattle herds across eight states.

“To this point, there have been no cases in Pennsylvania, but we’re doing what we can to prepare in the event as well as reduce our risk,” said Steve Turner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Turner Dairy Farms.

Turner said the preparation is important.

“We work with about 30 independent family farms within Western Pennsylvania, so we want to make sure we’re protecting our farmers, protecting their cows, as well as their livelihoods,” Turner told Channel 11′s Andrew Havranek. “But, primarily, we need to make sure consumers that Turner’s products are safe and nutritious for their families.”

Along with state and federal agencies, Turner’s is staying in constant contact with those farms that supply milk to …