(Storm Lake)– A case of bird flu has been confirmed in a commercial turkey flock in Cherokee County, affecting some 88-thousand turkeys. Bird flu has also been discovered at an egg laying facility in Osceola County, which has affected 3.5-million hens.
There have now been 12 confirmed cases statewide. Nearly 13-million poultry animals have been killed in Iowa so far this year in an effort to try to prevent spread of avian influenza.
Bird flu, or HPAI, is a highly contagious, viral disease affecting bird populations. The virus can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys.
Signs of bird flu include a lack of energy and appetite…decrease in egg production…and coughing, sneezing, or runny nose.
(Courtesy Community First Broadcasting station KAYL in Storm Lake)
