Livestock Poultry Avian influenza identified in an Iowa commercial layer flock The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus was found in a commercial layer flock and this is the first confirmed case in Wright County in 2022. By Successful Farming Staff Successful Farming Staff The content on Agriculture.com is by created by trained journalists who have become subject-matter experts in their fields. You may see some content using the byline "Successful Farming Staff." The content is primarily from information or a press release provided by other entities – such as the USDA, a university, or agricultural company. The press release has been vetted and reviewed by a staff editor. The content is edited and changed to reflect the voice and style of Successful Farming. Successful Farming's Editorial Guidelines Published on October 31, 2022 Close The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Wright County, Iowa. READ MORE: Mexico detects H5N1 bird flu in farm near U.S. border The virus was found in a commercial layer flock, and this is the first confirmed case of HPAI in Wright County in 2022. "With HPAI continuing to be a significant threat across the country, this is a difficult and stressful time for poultry farmers and egg producers," said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. "We have been preparing for the possibility of additional outbreaks and are working closely with USDA and producers to eradicate this disease from our state. With migration ongoing, we continue to emphasize the need for strict biosecurity on poultry farms and around backyard flocks to help prevent and limit the spread of this destructive virus." Commercial and backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds should be immediately reported to state or federal officials. Biosecurity resources and best practices are available at iowaagriculture.gov/biosecurity. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, 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. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present a public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always utilize the proper handling and cooking of eggs and poultry products. An internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses. About HPAI HPAI is highly contagious viral disease affecting bird populations. 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 can spread through droppings or the nasal discharge of an infected bird, which can contaminate dust and soil. Signs of HPAI include: Sudden increase in bird deaths without any clinical signs Lethargy and lack of energy and appetite Decrease in egg production Soft, thin-shelled, or misshapen eggs Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks Purple/blue discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs Difficulty breathing Coughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge (runny nose) Stumbling or falling down Diarrhea For additional information on HPAI, please visit https://iowaagriculture.gov/animal-industry-bureau/avian-influenza. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit