A strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in Guthrie County.

The affected flock is a mixed species backyard flock. Commercial and backyard flock owners should work to prevent contact between their birds and others. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship highly recommends reporting any cases of sick birds or unusual deaths in flocks immediately. Best practices can be found in this story online.

HPAI is a highly contagious virus, and can be spread by wild birds without making them appear sick, but is usually fatal for domestic populations, including turkeys and chickens. Signs may include sudden increase in bird deaths without clinical signs, lethargy, decrease in eggs, soft thin-shelled eggs, discoloration of wattles, combs and legs, coughing and nasal discharge, stumbling and falling down. For additional information, visit the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website. This case is one of five reported this year, with three being reported in the last week.

Biosecurity and best practices: https://iowaagriculture.gov/animal-industry-bureau/biosecurity
Additional Information: https://iowaagriculture.gov/animal-industry-bureau/avian-influenza