14-03-2025
Bird flu found in Buena Vista County flock
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) — A flock of chickens in Buena Vista County has been found to have bird flu, officials said Friday.
The flock was that of commercial pullets, or young hens, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
Iowa State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at the front lines of battle against Avian Influenza
This is the sixth case of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, in Iowa for the year of 2025 and the second case in Buena Vista County. Most recently, HPAI was detected in Dallas County on March 8.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds authorized a disaster proclamation for Buena Vista County to take effect immediately after announcement of the virus detection. The proclamation give state agencies additional resources to track, contain, dispose, and disinfect.
HPAI affects wild and domestic birds and is often fatal to domestic populations. The disease has also been found in dairy herds. Dairy herds often recover with limited deaths.
Officials say 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
Vaccinating poultry could help cut soaring egg prices, but the US is hesitant
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.
Anyone who finds five or more sick or dead flocking birds in a week are asked to report it to their local wildlife biologist or state conservation officer, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources said. Do not approach or bring home wild or migratory birds that appear sick or are deceased.
Detections of HPAI are being tracked by the USDA.
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