THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE U.S.DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE HAVE DETECTED A CASE OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA IN A COMMERCIAL TURKEY FLOCK IN SAC COUNTY.
THIS IS IOWA’S EIGHTH DETECTION OF H5N1 THIS YEAR.
THE BIRD FLU STRAIN IS A VIRAL DISEASE THAT AFFECTS BOTH WILD AND DOMESTIC BIRD POPULATIONS.
IT CAN TRAVEL IN WILD BIRDS WITHOUT THOSE BIRDS APPEARING SICK, BUT IS OFTEN FATAL TO DOMESTIC BIRD POPULATIONS, INCLUDING CHICKENS AND TURKEYS.
IF POULTRY PRODUCERS OR THOSE WITH BACKYARD BIRDS SUSPECT SIGNS OF H5N1, THEY SHOULD CONTACT THEIR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY.
POSSIBLE CASES MUST ALSO BE REPORTED TO THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND STEWARDSHIP AT (515) 281-5305.
