(Des Moines) The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a commercial pullet flock in Buena Vista County, Iowa. This is Iowa’s sixth detection of H5N1 HPAI within domestic birds in 2025.
H5N1 HPAI is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic bird populations. H5N1 HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys. H5N1 HPAI can also impact dairy cattle, and 13 cases were detected in Iowa dairy herds in June of 2024. With supportive care, dairy herds recover with limited, or no mortality associated with the disease.
If poultry producers or those with backyard birds suspect signs of H5N1 HPAI, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.
