WattAgNet: Iowa layer flock of 5.3 million hit by avian influenza

Second outbreak of avian influenza in Iowa affects more birds than any other outbreak of the virus so far in 2015
Release Date: 2015-04-21
Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed at a commercial layer operation in Iowa, affecting a flock of 5.3 million chickens. The infection affects more birds in one location than any other avian influenza outbreak reported in the U.S. so far in 2015.

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of H5N2 avian influenza on April 20. The affected flock is in Osceola County.

The affected premises have been quarantined the premises and birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.

The Osceola County case is the second flock in Iowa to have a confirmed case of avian influenza. On April 14, APHIS confirmed the presence of H5N2 in a commercial flock of 27,000 turkeys. That flock is located in Buena Vista  County.

New avian influenza case in Minnesota
On the same day APHIS confirmed the avian influenza case in Osceola County, Iowa, the agency also reported an outbreak in a commercial turkey flock in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota. This is the sixth avian influenza case in that county.

Samples from a flock of 23,000 turkeys tested positive for the virus. A nearby flock of 9,000 turkeys was also depopulated because of exposure to the infected flock of 23,000.

To keep informed of the areas affected by avian influenza, see WATTAgNet’s avian influenza map to track cases confirmed across North America. Filter the map view by avian influenza strain, type of operation, species, region and date confirmed.