Bird Flu Detected in Palo Alto County, Iowa Flock, Disaster Proclamation Extended

By Cami Koons

The highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in a commercial turkey flock in Palo Alto County just days after the bird flu was detected in an egg-laying flock in Sioux County. 

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced the fifth detection of the H5N1 influenza virus this year on Sunday, and Gov. Kim Reynolds extended a disaster proclamation issued for Sioux County on Friday, to include Palo Alto County.

IDALS announced Monday another case of HPAI was detected in Sioux County, also in a commercial egg-laying flock.

Poultry producers are encouraged to exercise heightened biosecurity measures and contact their veterinarians immediately if they suspect any signs of the H5N1 virus, according to IDALS. 

The avian flu has also appeared in dairy cattle since spring 2024 and has affected nearly 60 humans who have come into contact with infected animals. 

The consumption of poultry and egg products remains safe, according to the department, as is the consumption of pasteurized dairy products.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a new mandatory dairy testing program for the avian flu Dec. 6, though Iowa is not one of the states set to take part in the program immediately. 

The governor’s proclamation for the counties will allow state and local agencies to utilize state resources to track and contain the avian influenza. The new proclamation expires Jan. 7. 

Article updated to include an additional detection of the bird flu in Sioux County.

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