DES MOINES -- Gov. Tom Vilsack insisted Monday that bird flu headlines should not scare Iowans into abandoning their Thanksgiving turkey tradition.

But delivering that message meant breaking with gubernatorial tradition. No lucky turkey will receive a ceremonial pardon from Vilsack this year.

"This is a serious issue, and we wanted to make sure people understood that," Vilsack said. "We want to make sure people feel safe and secure about going out and purchasing that turkey for Thanksgiving."

Vilsack said no human cases of bird flu have been detected in the United States and no cases elsewhere have been tied to eating poultry meat. He said proper cooking of a whole turkey to 180 degrees is the best and simplest safety precaution.

The governor said Iowa's turkey flocks are closely monitored and the state's producers are trained to recognize problems.

His message was also about economics. Iowa is the nation's ninth-largest turkey producing state, accounting for $128 million in economic activity annually.

"It is absolutely safe for people to have turkey, stuffing and all the fixings come Thanksgiving. That's certainly what my family's going to do," Vilsack said.

Vilsack said he prepares his family's turkey every year. His recipe calls for roasting the bird breast-side down at 275 degrees for 22 minutes per-pound.

"It's the most moist turkey breast you will ever eat," Vilsack said.

Contact Todd Dorman at (515) 243-0138 or todd.dorman@lee.net.