Concerns over the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continue to grow after officials identified several more cases in Iowa over the weekend. According to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the disease made its way into another commercial flock in Buena Vista County late last week. It has since moved into central Iowa after the pathogen was recorded in a backyard flock in Warren County. Officials urge producers and flock owners to report any unusual illness or deaths to state and federal officials and contact their veterinarian immediately. HPAI can spread in poultry populations quickly through contact with wild birds, primarily through droppings or nasal discharge. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note these outbreaks do not present an immediate public health concern. Gov. Kim Reynolds has issued disaster proclamations for the affected counties to assist with monitoring and disposal of infected flocks. For more information, use the contact points included below.
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https://iowaagriculture.gov/animal-industry-bureau/avian-influenza
