Two More Iowa Bird Flu Outbreaks

Photo: Getty Images

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Two more bird flu outbreaks are being reported in Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship says the latest outbreaks are in a commercial chicken production facility in Guthrie County and a commercial turkey production facility in Hamilton County.

Iowa's State Veterinarian says this year's bird flu is different than the virus that hit the state in 2015.

"The virus is coming in and causing mortality clinical signs immediately when it's introduced from wild birds into domestic poultry, so it's a little bit more concerning in that aspect," says Dr. Jeff Kaisand.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture says the latest bird flu outbreaks will mean the destruction of more than 1.5 million birds across both facilities.

"There has been an economic impact, but it's too soon to be able to put a number to that. We're certainly hopeful that we can curtail this as we get further into spring," says Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig.

He says there is some money available from the US Department of Agriculture to help farmers cover their losses from bird flu.

"The dollars help with the response, but it's far from making a producer whole," Naig says.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture says there have been nine bird flu outbreaks in seven Iowa counties since March 1st.

They say nearly eight million birds have been, or will be, destroyed.


View Full Site