Hormel Foods Comments On Detection Avian Influenza At Turkey Farms

Hormel Foods Corp HRL announced Monday that highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) had been detected at its Jennie-O Turkey unit, impacting multiple turkey farms.

According to the company’s press release, there has been a loss of affected flocks and temporary quarantine of farms in the area until a full cleaning process is completed. Lower turkey supply is expected to impact plant operations and cause reduced sales volumes as the year progresses.

The company also stated that all flocks are tested for influenza prior to processing and that no birds diagnosed with HPAI are allowed to enter the food chain.

“We are experiencing significant challenges in our turkey supply chain due to the recent HPAI outbreaks in Minnesota and Wisconsin,” stated Jeffrey M. Ettinger, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer.

In the after hours session, Hormel Foods Corp traded at $56.05, down 0.6 percent.

Tyson Foods, Inc. TSN traded at $38.79, up 0.78 percent, while Sanderson Farms, Inc. SAFM was unchanged at $79.25.

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation PPC edged higher to $24.65, up 0.87 percent, while Cal-Maine Foods Inc CALM traded at $40.19, up 0.30 percent, also in Monday’s after hours session.