The Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship & the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service have confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Hardin County, Iowa. Health inspectors say the virus was found in a commercial turkey flock. Flock owners should prevent contact between their birds & wild birds & report sick birds or unusual deaths to state & federal officials. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flock, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate health concern. No human cases of the Avian Influenza Virus have been detected in the United States. It is completely safe to eat any types of poultry products being sold to consumers. HPAI is a highly contagious , viral disease affecting bird populations. HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens & turkeys. The virus can spread through droppings or nasal discharge of an infected bird, which can contaminate dust & soil. As of now, 16 different commercial & backyard cases of the virus have been positively confirmed within the state of Iowa.