Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in a Sac County Turkey Flock

Jun 21, 2024

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Sac County, Iowa. This is Iowa’s 3rd detection of HPAI within poultry in 2024.

About HPAI

HPAI is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic bird populations as well as lactating dairy cattle. HPAI 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.

Heightened Biosecurity

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is strongly encouraging Iowa poultry producers and dairy farmers to bolster their biosecurity practices and protocols to protect their flocks and herds. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has biosecurity recommendations for dairy herds to utilize. In addition, the Department has numerous other biosecurity resources for poultry producers and livestock farms to reference on its website. Farmers or farm workers who interact regularly with both dairy and poultry or who interact frequently with other farm workers in poultry or dairy, should take extra precautions to limit possible transmissions.

Suspected Cases in Poultry

If poultry producers or those with backyard birds suspect signs of HPAI, 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.

Clinical signs of HPAI in birds may include:

Sudden increase in bird deaths without any clinical signs
Lethargy and/or lack of energy and appetite
Decrease in egg production
Soft, thin-shelled and/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 and/or falling down
Diarrhea

Click here to see more...

Video: What Is Well Water Testing? - CountyOffice.org

What Is Well Water Testing? Understanding well water testing is essential for ensuring the safety of your drinking water. In this informative video, we will cover everything you need to know about testing your well water. We will explain the process of collecting samples, what contaminants to look for, and how often you should test your water. You'll learn about the significance of testing for coliform bacteria, nitrates, and harmful substances such as arsenic and lead. We will also discuss the importance of using a certified laboratory for accurate results and how to find one in your area.

Regular testing is key to maintaining safe drinking water, especially if your well is shallow or near surface water sources. We will provide tips on the best practices for sample collection, including the ideal time of day and the proper methods to avoid contamination. Whether you're a new well owner or have been using well water for years, this video will equip you with the knowledge to protect your health and the health of your family.