Bird flu could threaten Thanksgiving turkey supply

Midwest hit hard by the outbreak

The largest-ever U.S. outbreak of avian influenza (AKA bird flu) has taken a toll on poultry and egg producers in recent weeks.

Now, the experts think it could lead to a shortage of chickens and turkeys.

Officially called H5N2, the strain has already spread to 14 states, the Midwest being hit the hardest, and led to the killing of more than 21 million birds.

To make matters worse, farmers have said there's no sign of an end to the outbreak. It’s not for lack of effort; producers have taken biosecurity measures and have implemented quarantines.

More than 3 million turkeys were killed in Minnesota, the nation's top turkey producer.

Fox News reports at least one turkey processing plant has cut back on workers' shifts because of a lack of birds to slaughter.