(Des Moines ) A case of Highly Pathgenic Avian Influenza is detected in a Turkey flock in Cherokee County. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship released the news on Sunday afternoon.
This viral disease affects both wild and domestic bird populations. HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations.
Clinical signs of HPAI in birds include:
*Sudden increase in bird deaths without any clinical signs
*Lethargy and/or lack of energy and appetite
*Decrease in egg production
*Soft, thin-shelled and/or misshapen eggs
*Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
*Purple/blue discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs
*Difficulty breathing
*Coughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge (runny nose)
*Stumbling and/or falling down
*Diarrhea
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship strongly encourages Iowa poultry producers and dairy farmers to bolster their biosecurity practices and protocols to protect their flocks and herds.
It remains safe to consume poultry products.
