HPAI hits Iowa dairy herd for the first time

herd of cows in cowshed on dairy farm_Photo by Syda Productions via AdobeStock_132201757.jpg

Photo by Syda Productions via Adobe Stock

High Path Avian Flu has affected an Iowa dairy herd in O’Brien County, marking their first reported HPAI case within a dairy, according to the Iowa Department if Agriculture and Land Stewardship and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

To date, APHIS has confirmed more than 80 dairy cases on farms in South Dakota, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, North Carolina, Colorado, Idaho, and Kansas.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says it came as no surprise.

“Given the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza within dairy cattle in many other states, it is not a surprise that we would have a case given the size of our dairy industry in Iowa. While lactating dairy cattle appear to recover with supportive care, we know this destructive virus continues to be deadly for poultry. Our team at the Department has been preparing for this possibility and will soon be announcing additional response steps to protect our flocks and herds.”

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