Shenandoah, Iowa — Another case of bird flu has been discovered, this time in southwest Iowa.
Page County Conservation and Public Health officials confirmed Wednesday that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza was discovered in snow geese at Rapp Park north of Shenandoah. County Conservation Director John Schwab says his office was first contacted two weeks ago after dead geese were discovered at the park.
Schwab says it’s not uncommon for wild birds to have the bird flu.
Symptoms include decreased water consumption, lack of energy and appetite, soft or thin-shelled or misshapen eggs, swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles and hocks, difficulty breathing, and coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge, among others. Though health experts say bird flu is highly contagious and often fatal to domestic bird populations, no human cases of avian viruses have been confirmed in the US. Schwab encourages residents to enjoy outdoor wildlife–with caution.
He adds hunters and others should use extra precautions when handling wild game–especially during processing. Anyone suspecting signs of HPAI in their flocks should contact their local veterinarian, or the Iowa Department of Agriculture.
This would be the sixth case of bird flu confirmed in the state, including two cases confirmed earlier this month in Buena Vista County here in northwest Iowa.
