Iowa’s first bird flu case of 2023 strikes Buena Vista County

The Gazette

Jan. 25, 2023 7:07 pm

DES MOINES — A case of avian influenza has been confirmed at a commercial turkey flock in Buena Vista County, the state agriculture department reported Wednesday.

It is the first confirmed case of 2023.

The state confirmed 30 cases of the bird flu in 2022, including 12 in March and seven in December. When a case is confirmed, the entire flock is destroyed as a way to stem the spread of the virus.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship says bird owners should contact the department or their local veterinarian if they believe their flock may be infected. Cases are reported to the state department.