Avian influenza has been found in flocks at four more turkey farms in Minnesota, according to animal health officials. This comes mere weeks after officials last reported the spread of the disease.

The H5N1 virus, colloquially known as bird flu, has been found in flocks at commercial turkey farms in Le Sueur, Blue Earth and Stearns counties, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health website states. More than 70,000 birds are believed to be affected.

Earlier this month, the board said it had detected the virus in a Redwood County flock . It was the first time bird flu had been detected in Minnesota since April 23.

Turkey farmers say they are hopeful a vaccine could be available in the next year or two.

Minnesota is the nation's top turkey producer, and the USDA has said turkey rema

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