A case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been confirmed in Iowa.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service say H5N1 avian influenza was detected in a multi-species backyard flock in Dallas County. It is Iowa’s 10th detection of the virus in domestic birds this year.
Officials say H5N1 affects both wild and domestic birds. Wild birds can carry the virus without showing symptoms, but it is often fatal to domestic poultry.
State agriculture officials are urging poultry producers and backyard flock owners to strengthen biosecurity practices. Anyone who suspects signs of avian influenza should contact a veterinarian immediately and report the case to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
Officials say it remains safe to eat eggs and poultry products if they are properly handled and cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the risk to the general public remains low.
