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H5N1 found in Iowa, first detection since June

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in a flock of commercial layer chickens in Sioux County, Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship says it’s the state’s first confirmed case of H5N1 since June, and the fourth overall within poultry this year.

According to IDALS, H5N1 is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic bird populations. It can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys. H5N1 also impacted 13 dairy herds in Iowa earlier in 2024. With supportive care, dairy herds recover with no or limited mortality associated with the disease.

State Ag Secretary Mike Naig says producers need to bolster their biosecurity practices and protocols to help protect their flocks and herds.