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Bird flu infects flock of 400,000 young western Iowa hens
It is the sixth reported Iowa detection this year
Jared Strong
Mar. 14, 2025 6:01 pm
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A deadly avian flu recently infected a flock of about 400,000 young hens in Buena Vista County, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
It is the second detection within a week of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Iowa poultry.
It is also the sixth — and largest — known flock affected this year in the state. Entire flocks are destroyed to prevent further spread of the virus.
Wild birds are common carriers of the virus, and their migrations through Iowa are expected to accelerate in the coming weeks.
Other detections this year include:
- March 9: A backyard flock of about 30 chickens and ducks in Dallas County.
- Feb. 19: A commercial flock of about 30,000 turkeys in Sac County.
- Feb. 13: A commercial flock of about 27,000 turkeys in Buena Vista County.
- Feb. 2: A commercial flock of about 240,000 egg-laying chickens in O'Brien County.
- Jan. 6: A backyard flock of about 60 ducks, chickens and geese in Clinton County.
Comments: (319) 368-8541; jared.strong@thegazette.com
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