DES MOINES, Iowa (Iowa Media Wire) — There’s been another case of bird flu found in a Sioux County flock, the sixth such case of the disease in poultry in Iowa in 2024.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship said the case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was found in a commercial layer flock. The new case comes after officials reported the fourth case for the year in Sioux County on Friday. Before then, there hadn’t been a positive case of bird flu in the state since June.
After the detection on Friday, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced a disaster proclamation for Sioux County. The proclamation will allow state agencies to assist in monitoring, containing, disposing, and disinfecting. That proclamation was also extended to Palo Alto County on Sunday after HPAI was found there.
The disease affects wild and domestic birds and is often fatal to domestic populations. The disease has also been found in dairy herds, with 13 cases in Iowa for the year. Dairy herds often recover with limited deaths.
Officials said that eggs and poultry products remain safe to consume and a threat to the general public remains low.
Any poultry producers or owners with backyard birds should report any possible signs of HPAI to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship by calling 515-281-5305. Signs of the disease in birds 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
Iowa officials are also asking poultry producers, dairy farmers, and other livestock producers in increase their biosecurity. Such resources and recommendations can be found here.