DES MOINES, Iowa (Iowa Media Wire) — Additional cases of bird flu have been found in dairy herds in northwest Iowa.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the USDA announced Friday two additional cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, that were found in dairy cattle herds. One was found in Plymouth County, while another was found in Sioux County. Two days earlier, on Wednesday, June 12, officials announced another case in Sioux County.
Previously, cases of HPAI were found in cattle herds in O’Brien County (the first in Iowa) and Sioux County (in which a total of three cases have been found).
In response, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has prepared additional measures and has requested resources from the USDA.
Poultry producers are asked to watch their flocks for any signs of HPAI and to contact their veterinarian and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship if necessary. Signs of HPAI include the following:
- 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
Poultry producers and dairy farmers are encouraged to increase their biosecurity practices to help protect their flocks and herds.
As the bird flu also affects dairy cattle, dairy producers are asked to also watch for signs of sickness and reach out to their herd veterinarian and officials if they see any of the following signs in their cattle:
- Decrease in food consumption with a simultaneous decrease in rumination
- Clear nasal discharge
- Drop in milk production
- Tacky or loose feces
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Thicker, concentrated, colostrum-like milk
There were two cases of dairy workers in Texas and Michigan who contracted the disease, but the CDC said the threat to humans remains low.
More information about HPAI can be found on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship website.
Wesley Thoene contributed to this report.