The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Mahaska County on December 18th of last year.

HPAI is a highly contagious viral disease affecting bird populations, and can travel in wild birds without them appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations. The virus can spread through the droppings or nasal discharge of an infected bird, both of which can contaminate dust and soil. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says that no confirmed cases have been reported since December 18th, but adds that the challenge will be when birds return to the area this spring.

“The challenge remains though that you’ve got wild birds, that migrate north in the spring and south in the fall, that are carrying this virus and it’s working its way into sites directly. So, I think there’s obviously still more work to be done to really sure that up, but I think there’s been at least a bright spot in terms of the response and of course now all eyes really focus on the spring when those birds come back.”

For additional information on HPAI, visit the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website. Hear more from Secretary Naig on an upcoming In Touch with South Central Iowa.