(Undated) -- A positive case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in Kossuth County, Iowa. The Iowa Department of Agriculture says the affected site is a farm with game bird pheasants, peafowl and commercial layer chickens. This makes the 9th case of bird flu this fall.
The other cases have been in Buena Vista, Guthrie, Pocahontas, Clay, and Hamilton counties.
Commercial and backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds should be immediately reported to state or federal officials. Biosecurity resources and best practices are available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship website. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, 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.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present a public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products.