By Andi Anderson
Bird flu has resurfaced in Iowa, joining three other states in reporting cases of the highly pathogenic virus. Two commercial turkey farms in the state have been affected, and about 100,000 birds have been killed to prevent the disease from spreading.
The outbreak is the latest in a series of bird flu cases reported in the US in recent weeks. In October, 12 commercial flocks in South Dakota, Utah, and Minnesota were affected, totaling more than 500,000 birds.
Iowa was the hardest-hit state last year, with nearly 16 million birds lost to bird flu. There hadn't been a case reported in the state since March until this week.
Bird flu infections are relatively rare in humans and aren't considered a food safety risk. However, as the virus hits other species, including some mammals, scientists fear it could evolve to spread more easily among people. Cambodia this week reported its third human death from bird flu this year.
The US Department of Agriculture is urging poultry producers to take steps to protect their flocks from bird flu, including biosecurity measures such as keeping flocks away from wild birds and disinfecting equipment and vehicles.
Consumers can help protect themselves from bird flu by cooking poultry thoroughly and washing their hands after handling raw poultry and poultry products.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-suriyasilsaksom
Categories: Iowa, Livestock, Poultry