More than 4 million chickens to be killed in Iowa after authorities detect bird flu on farm

A case of highly pathogenic avian flu has been detected among a massive flock of laying hens in Sioux County, Iowa, authorities have confirmed. Officials confirmed to CBS News that 4.2 million birds have been affected and will be killed.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the USDA confirmed the detection of avian flu on Tuesday, marking the first case of avian flu in the state this year. The last case of the virus was detected in a mixed backyard species in December, and the last time commercial laying hens were affected in the state last November, also in Sioux County.

According to the Iowa Capital Dispatch, the most recently affected flock contains 4.2 million chickens – the largest number of affected flocks in the state since more than 5 million were affected by bird flu in Iowa County. Osceola in 2022. This is also the largest number of chickens. in one herd affected by the virus so far this year nationwide, according to USDA data. Iowa is the top producer of eggs in the United States, according to USDA data.

A state agriculture department official also confirmed the number of affected birds this week, telling CBS News that “depopulation is underway.”

La Dépêche reported that the the whole herd will be slaughtered, with the remains isolated, to help prevent further spread. This significant loss triggered a disaster proclamation for the county from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, which will be in effect until June 27.

Last week, an egg farm in Iowa’s northern neighbor Minnesota was also hit by avian flu, affecting just under 1.4 million birds. At the same time, more than 81,000 commercial turkeys and breeder hens were also affected in Minnesota.

Avian flu can be fatal for poultry. According to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, chickens and turkeys affected by a highly pathogenic strain “may have difficulty breathing or die suddenly.”

The current outbreak of bird flu has been disastrous and has spread beyond birds. Last month it was detected in the United States dairy cows for the first time and two people have were also infected, both showing mild symptoms after coming across infected livestock. The virus has also been detected in beef And milk.