Bird Flu Detected in North Iowa

Three more cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza have been reported in the state of Iowa, including one in North Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced the new cases Monday (12.16), including in a commercial turkey flock in Worth County, a commercial layer flock in Sioux County, and a backyard mixed species flock in Monona County.

Iowa has now had 11 detections of H5N1 within poultry in 2024, with seven of those detections coming over the last couple of weeks. Most have been detected in northwestern Iowa.

Avian Influenza is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic bird populations. It can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and wild turkeys. 

Health officials say it remains safe to enjoy eggs and poultry products, but reminds consumers to always properly handle and cook eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to believe the threat to the general public remains low.