The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service have confirmed new cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in backyard flocks in Van Buren and Keokuk counties.
The detections mark Iowa’s third and fourth cases of H5N1 in 2026.
H5N1 is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic birds. While wild birds can carry the virus without appearing sick, it is often fatal in domestic poultry, including chickens and turkeys.
State agriculture officials are urging poultry producers and backyard flock owners to strengthen biosecurity measures to protect their birds. Anyone who suspects illness should contact a veterinarian immediately and report possible cases to the Iowa Department of Agriculture at 515-281-5305.
Symptoms in birds can include sudden death, decreased egg production, swelling, difficulty breathing and lack of energy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the risk to the general public remains low. Officials also stress it remains safe to eat properly handled and cooked eggs and poultry products, prepared to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
