Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has resurfaced in Iowa as the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirm a positive case in a Buena Vista County commercial turkey flock. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig stressed the importance of immediate and coordinated action. Working closely with the USDA and industry partners, they remain prepared to respond swiftly to any further cases in the state. As a preventive measure, commercial and backyard flock owners are urged to ensure their birds do not come into contact with wild birds. Any instances of sick birds or unexplained avian deaths should be reported promptly to state or federal officials. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that the recent detections of HPAI in birds do not threaten public health, and consuming poultry products remains safe, provided they are handled and cooked properly.HPAI is a contagious viral disease with the potential to spread through wild birds without showing apparent symptoms. It can be lethal in domestic bird populations, such as chickens and turkeys. Key indicators of HPAI include a sudden increase in bird deaths, loss of energy, reduced egg production, and various physical symptoms. In response to the outbreak in Buena Vista County, Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a disaster proclamation, allowing state resources to assist with tracking, monitoring, detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection. This measure also waives regulatory provisions for commercial vehicles responding to affected sites. Links with more information are included below.
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