Buena Vista County, Iowa – Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or HPAI, has been detected in a commercial turkey flock in Buena Vista county. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship says this is third detection of the virus within domestic birds so far this year. Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Buena Vista county in conjunction with today’s (Thurs.) announcement.
The virus that causes HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick but is often fatal to domestic bird populations including chickens and turkeys. The virus has also impacted dairy cattle. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship says 13 cases were detected in Iowa dairy herds in June of 2024. The impact on dairy herds isn’t nearly severe, however. Department officials say with supportive care, dairy herds recover with limited or no mortality associated with the disease.
Officials again strongly encourage poultry producers and dairy farmers to bolster biosecurity measures.
Possible cases of HPAI must be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at 515-281-5305.
