As fall migration begins, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is strongly encouraging poultry producers, dairy farmers, and those with backyard flocks to proactively take steps to strengthen their biosecurity defenses against the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Bird flu is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic bird populations as well as lactating dairy cattle. Avian influenza can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys. With supportive care, dairy cattle recover with little to no mortality associated with the disease. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is strongly encouraging Iowa poultry producers and dairy farmers to bolster their biosecurity practices and protocols to protect their flocks and herds. Recommendations can be found on the department’s website.
Iowa’s last reported case of bird flu in poultry was announced back on June 20th of this year, though cases have continued to surface in other states. Iowa has 13 reported cases within dairy, with the last two announced on June 27th. Producers should contact their veterinarian immediately if they suspect signs of bird flu. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture.
There is no concern about the safety of pasteurized milk or dairy products. The Centers for Disease Control continues to believe the threat of bird flu to the general public remains low.
