Bird Flu Detected in the Wild For First Time in Years
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a wild bird in South Carolina. The last case of Avian Influenza in the wild was back in 2016.
The virus was found in a duck that was killed by a hunter in South Carolina.
According to the CDC, no human interaction with the virus has taken place within the United States making the risk of this affecting the general public is low. However, as a precautionary, the CDC reminds people to cook poultry and eggs to 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill off any potential bacteria and viruses, including HPAI.
Iowa Poultry Producers
While the case was all the way in South Carolina, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says the confirmation of the virus highlights the risks that poultry producers in Iowa face.
This is a good reminder to Iowa’s livestock producers that now is the time to evaluate and look for opportunities to strengthen your farm’s biosecurity protocols and closely monitor the health of your animals. If you observe sick animals or clinical signs that are consistent with HPAI, you should contact your veterinarian and state or federal animal health officials immediately.
HPAI can affect your operation whether you have a small flock in your backyard or are a large commercial producer.
HPAI and other foreign animal diseases pose a significant risk to Iowa agriculture. Our team at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will continue working with USDA, livestock producers, and other stakeholders to develop, test, and strengthen our foreign animal disease preparedness and response plans.
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 are legally required to report it to the State Veterinarian.