(Des Moines) The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in a multi-species backyard flock in Boone County.
The detection marks Iowa’s seventh H5N1 case in 2026.
The virus affects wild and domestic birds. Wild birds can carry the disease without showing signs of illness, while H5N1 is often fatal to domestic poultry, including chickens and turkeys.
State agriculture officials are encouraging Iowa poultry producers and backyard flock owners to strengthen biosecurity practices to protect their birds.
Anyone who suspects H5N1 in their flock should contact a veterinarian immediately. Suspected cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at 515-281-5305.
Signs of H5N1 in birds may include a sudden increase in deaths, lethargy, reduced appetite, decreased egg production, misshapen or thin-shelled eggs, swelling of the head or other body parts, purple or blue discoloration of the comb, wattles or legs, breathing difficulties, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, stumbling, falling and diarrhea.
The state says eggs and poultry products remain safe to consume when properly handled and cooked. Consumers should cook eggs and poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is also asking people who find five to 10 or more sick or dead wild birds in a small area to report their findings to local DNR Wildlife Management staff.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to consider the risk to the general public low. Questions about public health should be directed to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
Confirmed H5N1 cases are added to tracking information on the USDA APHIS website following confirmation by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames.
