Bird flu: O’Brien County dairy cows infected with HPAI – KCCI Des Moines

AS WE LEARN MORE. AND MORE BREAKING NEWS TONIGHT. THE FIRST CASE OF BIRD FLU HAS BEEN FOUND IN COWS IN IOWA. STATE OFFICIALS CONFIRMED IT CAME FROM A DAIRY HERD IN OBRIEN COUNTY THATS IN FAR NORTHWEST IOWA. THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SAYS COWS NORMALLY SURVIVE BIRD FLU. WITH THE RIGHT KIND OF CARE, THE VIRUS IS N

Bird flu hits dairy herd in northwest Iowa

Updated: 5:07 PM CDT Jun 5, 2024

The United States Department of Agriculture announced that a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a dairy herd in OBrien County.This is the first reported case of HPAI within a dairy herd in Iowa.HPAI can travel in wild birds, but is often fatal to domestic birds such as chickens and turkeys. Less than a month ago the USDA announced bird flu had been found among dairy cows in several states. Now, they are tightening the restrictions on taking those livestock over state lines.Given the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza within dairy cattle in many other states, it is not a surprise that we would have a case given the size of our dairy industry in Iowa. While lactating dairy cattle appear to recover with supportive care, we know this destructive virus continues to be deadly for poultry. Our team at the Department has been preparing for this possibility and will soon be announcing additional response steps to protect our flocks and herds, said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.Poultry producers and dairy farmers should immediately take steps to harden their biosecurity defenses, limit unnecessary visitors, and report symptomatic birds or cattle to the Department. This remains an evolving situation and we will continue to be in close communication with stakeholders, USDA, and other states as we evaluate our response. Our top priority is to protect our livestock and the farmers and people who care for them.Investigators are trying to determine how the virus was introduced into the flocks and herd.So far the USDA has confirmed cases in South Dakota, Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, Michigan, Kansas, Idaho, Colorado, and now Iowa.Suspected signs of HPAI in poultry include:Sudden increase in bird deaths without any clinical signsLethargy and/or lack of energy and appetiteDecrease in egg productionSoft, thin-shelled and/or misshapen eggsSwelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocksPurple/blue discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legsDifficulty breathingCoughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge (runny nose)Stumbling and/or falling downDiarrheaSuspected signs of HPAI in dairy cows include:Decrease in food consumption with a simultaneous decrease in ruminationClear nasal dischargeDrop in milk productionTacky or loose fecesLethargyDehydrationFeverThicker, concentrated, colostrum-like milkOfficials say that it is safe to enjoy poultry products. Consumers should utilize the proper handling and cooking of eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165F. Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google PlayGet the latest headlines from KCCI

The United States Department of Agriculture announced that a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a dairy herd in OBrien County.

This is the first reported case of HPAI within a dairy herd in Iowa.

HPAI can travel in wild birds, but is often fatal to domestic birds such as chickens and turkeys. Less than a month ago the USDA announced bird flu had been found among dairy cows in several states. Now, they are tightening the restrictions on taking those livestock over state lines.

Given the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza within dairy cattle in many other states, it is not a surprise that we would have a case given the size of our dairy industry in Iowa. While lactating dairy cattle appear to recover with supportive care, we know this destructive virus continues to be deadly for poultry. Our team at the Department has been preparing for this possibility and will soon be announcing additional response steps to protect our flocks and herds, said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.

Poultry producers and dairy farmers should immediately take steps to harden their biosecurity defenses, limit unnecessary visitors, and report symptomatic birds or cattle to the Department. This remains an evolving situation and we will continue to be in close communication with stakeholders, USDA, and other states as we evaluate our response. Our top priority is to protect our livestock and the farmers and people who care for them.

Investigators are trying to determine how the virus was introduced into the flocks and herd.

So far the USDA has confirmed cases in South Dakota, Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, Michigan, Kansas, Idaho, Colorado, and now Iowa.

Suspected signs of HPAI in poultry include:

Suspected signs of HPAI in dairy cows include:

Officials say that it is safe to enjoy poultry products. Consumers should utilize the proper handling and cooking of eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165F.

Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play

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Bird flu: O'Brien County dairy cows infected with HPAI - KCCI Des Moines