By Andi Anderson
Iowa has confirmed its third bird flu outbreak of the year, with a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) infection detected in a commercial turkey operation in Buena Vista County. The Iowa Department of Agriculture reported that approximately 26,730 birds in the affected flock will be culled to prevent further spread of the disease.
The virus primarily spreads through wild birds, especially during migration. Earlier this year, outbreaks were reported in O’Brien County, where 240,000 laying hens were infected, and in eastern Iowa, where a small domestic flock of 40 birds tested positive in January.
Bird flu has also affected dairy cattle nationwide, including 13 dairy herds in Iowa last year. While cattle can recover with supportive care, the virus poses a significant risk to poultry operations.
Humans are also susceptible to infection, though cases remain rare. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported nearly 70 cases of bird flu among people over the past year, mostly affecting individuals who work closely with infected birds or cattle.
Most cases have been mild, but in January, a person in Louisiana with underlying health conditions died from the H5N1 strain. The CDC has confirmed that there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission.
To enhance monitoring, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced in December that raw milk will be tested nationwide for bird flu traces. Officials emphasize that pasteurized milk, eggs, and poultry products remain safe for consumption.
Photo Credit: istock-peopleImages
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle