The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed another positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Iowa. The virus was found in a flock of 918,873 commercial layer chickens in Taylor County. The first case of HPAI in a commercial flock was confirmed March 6 in a turkey flock in Buena Vista County.

“While this additional case of HPAI is not unexpected, we have prepared for this and are working closely with USDA and livestock producers to control and eradicate this disease from our state,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “This is a difficult time for poultry producers. We will continue to support them and emphasize the need for strict biosecurity on farms and around poultry to help prevent the spread of this disease.”

IDALS said flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or unusual deaths to state/federal officials.

Producers who suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks should contact their veterinarian immediately as well as report it to their state.