With Thanksgiving approaching, many families are preparing for their big and traditional meals. The well-known centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal is the turkey. However, rumors are spreading that families may need to start purchasing their turkeys ahead of time due to a shortage.

An outbreak of Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, slammed the U.S. poultry this year, killing more than 48 million birds. Numerous turkeys and birds were wiped out in over 21 states. Minnesota, the top producing turkey state, experienced devastating losses in their flocks. Millions of their turkeys intended to become lunch meat were killed by the disease. This raised the question: would there be enough turkeys for the soon approaching Thanksgiving dinner?

Like many other families, junior Madeline Bauer has the tradition of gathering with her loved ones around Thanksgiving to celebrate the holiday. With the turkey being a highlight of the Thanksgiving meal, the news of a turkey shortage is heartbreaking.

“We are preparing for the worst but hoping for the best. Without turkey, Thanksgiving will not be the same,” said Bauer.

The turkey shortage has also affected the choices of lunch meats.

“I have known there is a turkey shortage because my mom hasn’t been able to purchase it at the grocery store. This is my favorite deli meat choice. I’m not a fan of ham at all. So, if there is no turkey available this year, I am going to be one unhappy camper this Thanksgiving,” said Bauer.

Junior Lexi Browning and her family are also making preparations upon hearing the news.

“Instead of getting two turkeys, we are going to purchase one ham and one turkey. I think this news is kind of crazy and can’t be true,” said Browning.

However, experts say the influenza that has killed almost 5.6 million turkeys is unlikely to cause a shortage of turkeys before Thanksgiving due to the fact that the turkey is already frozen and dead when sold. Therefore, there will be plenty of turkeys able to be sold without being affected by the disease.

“Also, the turkeys for Thanksgiving are often bought with a preference for the frozen, flash-frozen with no difference in quality,” said Keith Williams in a meeting (vice-president of communications and marketing at the National Turkey Federation).

The thought of eating the traditional Thanksgiving meal without a turkey is unimaginable for many people. Although news of a turkey shortage is running rampant, many families are taking precautions to avoid the outcome of a turkey-less Thanksgiving. As many can agree, Thanksgiving just would not be the same without the delicious turkey!