The highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in a commercial turkey flock in Palo Alto County just days after the bird flu was detected in an egg-laying flock in Sioux County.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) announced the fifth detection of the H5N1 influenza virus this year on Sunday, and Gov. Kim Reynolds extended a disaster proclamation issued for Sioux County on Friday, to include Palo Alto County. IDALS announced Monday another case of HPAI was detected in Sioux County, also in a commercial egg-laying flock.
The avian flu has also appeared in dairy cattle since spring 2024 and has affected nearly 60 humans who have come into contact with infected animals. The consumption of poultry and egg products remains safe, according to the department, as is the consumption of pasteurized dairy products. The USDA announced a new mandatory dairy testing program for the avian flu Dec. 6.
