As fall migration begins, Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig is strongly encouraging poultry producers, dairy farmers, and those with backyard flocks to proactively take steps to strengthen their biosecurity defenses against the threat of Avian Influenza.
Avian Influenza is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic bird populations as well as lactating dairy cattle. The virus can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys. With supportive care, dairy cattle recover with little to no mortality associated with the disease.
Iowa last reported case Avian Influenza in poultry was announced on June 20th, though cases have continued to surface in other states.
The last two cases in dairy cattle in Iowa were announced on June 27th.
