State and federal officials have announced confirmed cases of bird flu at four more sites in Iowa over the past three days, including one in the KMCH listening area.
On Friday, the virus was confirmed in a small flock of birds in Jones County.
A commercial operation in Taylor County was also identified, where one-point-two million chickens were laying eggs. On Saturday, a game bird hatchery in Kossuth County had been hit, along with a backyard flock of mixed species in Cerro Gordo County.
So far this fall, officials have identified bird flu – or highly pathogenic avian influenza – at thirteen sites around the state. Bird flu can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys. The virus can spread through the droppings or the nasal discharge of an infected bird, both of which can contaminate dust and soil.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent bird flu detections do not present a public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products.
Governor Kim Reynolds has issued proclamations that authorize state agencies to assist in the proper disposal of birds that are being euthanized to try to contain the spread of the virus.
