Avian flu update: That Jefferson County Wisconsin farm lost more than 3 million laying hens

 

Photo credit:  Daybreak Foods, Inc.

Colleen Kottke reports:

S&R Egg Farms was sold to Daybreak Foods Inc. of Lake Mills earlier this year for $14 million, according to Walworth County documents. According to Daybreak Foods' website, the company is home to 19 million laying hens at several facilities across the Midwest and employs over 1,000 workers. Daybreak processes most of its eggs into liquid egg products for food service and retail customers. 

Workers at the farm noticed signs of illness in the flock earlier in the week and reported it to DATCP officials, said State Veterinarian Darlene Konkle. The farm believes the virus was observed early and have been working with state and federal officials to curb the spread. 

DATCP says the farm has been quarantined to restrict the movement of birds, egg products, workers and motor vehicles.

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