Avian Influenza Is Getting Closer To Iowa

The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian flu on an Indiana turkey farm on Wednesday. This is the first case of the disease in a commercial poultry operation since 2020.

The announcement of the disease reacted in swift shutdowns with importers. China and Korea blocked all non-heated poultry meat from Indiana and Taiwan restricted poultry meat and eggs from the state. According to Reuters, China’s ban on Indiana poultry is likely to last 90 days.

Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig released a statement about the Indiana farm outbreak saying

Our team at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship recognizes the threat HPAI and other foreign animal diseases pose to Iowa agriculture. We do not have any known connections to the infected flock and are closely monitoring imports of poultry and poultry products into Iowa from Indiana. We will continue working with USDA, livestock producers, and other stakeholders to develop, test, and strengthen our foreign animal disease preparedness and response plans.

A Canadian bird flock has also confirmed bird flu in a commercial flock in Nova Scotia also triggering trade restrictions.

According to Pork Business, Indiana state officials have quarantined the infected farm and its 29,000 turkeys are being euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease.

Turkeys from the infected farm will not enter the food supply.

As part of avian influenza response plans, State and Federal partners are working to add additional serveillance and testing in the nearby area.

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Avian influenza is classified as a reportable animal disease by both the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the USDA. This means anyone that knows of a bird with, exposed to, or displaying signs of Avian Influenza is legally required to report it to the State Veterinarian.