The Iowa Department of Agriculture has confirmed a further incidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Kossuth County. The virus has been detected on a farm housing a collection of birds, including game bird pheasants, peafowl, and commercial layer chickens.
State Veterinarian Dr. Jeff Kaisand, has stated that rapid depopulation is imperative once an HPAI case is confirmed. This prompt response is essential to reduce the viral load at the site and decrease the likelihood of the infection spreading to other locations.
Owners of both commercial and backyard poultry flocks are advised to prevent any contact between their birds and wild birds. This autumn, the state has reported nine instances of HPAI, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS).
The department is actively working with poultry farmers to enhance biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of avian influenza, which poses a significant threat to the poultry industry.
