DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to a probable case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Hamilton County. This would be the 68th case of the disease in the state.
The Department has quarantined the premise and once the presence of the disease is confirmed, all birds on the property will be humanely euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease.
The turkey farm has an estimated 17,000 birds that have experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza. Additional confirmatory testing is pending from the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames.