Ag Matters: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Backyard Flock in Boone County

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service have found a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a multi-species backyard flock in Boone County. This case is Iowa’s seventh detection in 2026. 

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is strongly encouraging Iowa poultry producers and backyard flock owners to continue bolstering their biosecurity practices and protocols to protect their flocks. The Department has numerous biosecurity resources to reference on its website. 

Clinical signs of H5N1 HPAI in birds may include:  

• Sudden increase in bird deaths without any clinical signs
• Lethargy and/or lack of energy and appetite
• Decrease in egg production
• Soft, thin-shelled and/or misshapen eggs
• Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
• Purple/blue discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge (runny nose)
• Stumbling and/or falling down
• Diarrhea 

It remains safe to enjoy eggs and poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always properly handle and cook eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F. 

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asks those who find 5 to 10 or more sick or dead wild birds in a small area to report their findings to local DNR Wildlife Management staff. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to believe the threat to the general public remains low. Any questions related to public health should be directed to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

If poultry producers or those with backyard birds suspect signs of H5N1 HPAI, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. This report has been provided by the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship.