The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) announced today (Thursday) of a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Calhoun County. This case marks the eighth detection of the viral disease within domestic birds in 2025. HPAI can travel in wild birds that show no symptoms, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations. IDALS is strongly encouraging Iowa poultry producers and backyard flock owners to increase biosecurity practices and protocols to protect their birds and to contact their veterinarian immediately if symptoms are present. Signs of HPAI include: sudden increase in bird deaths, lethargy, decrease appetite, lower egg production, soft or misshapen eggs, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, breathing difficulties, swelling, purple or blue discoloration, stumbling and diarrhea. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says risks to the public remain low and it is still safe to consume egg and poultry products. View the list of confirmed cases by visiting the link included below. Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for Calhoun County through Nov. 1, which will allow for state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, IDALS and other agencies to aid in tracking, monitoring, rapid detection, containment and disinfection related to HPAI. The proclamation also waives regulatory provisions related to commercial vehicles responding to the affected site.
