The Iowa Department of Agriculture has confirmed another case of the Avian Influenza in the state. This case was found in a backyard mixed species flock in Benton County. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent highly pathogenic avian influenza detections in birds do not present a public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always utilize the proper handling and cooking of eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F. This is the 9th case of the avian influenza in Iowa in the month of November. Commercial and backyard flock owners are urged to keep contact with wild birds to a minimum, as that is where they believe the bird flu is spreading from.
Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB