HPAI Outbreak Confirmed in Iowa Commercial Turkey Flock

Approximately 42,000 birds were affected in the outbreak, officials said.

CALHOUN COUNTY, Iowa (RFD-TV) — State agriculture officials confirm that about 42,000 turkeys have been culled after a new detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI, H5N1) in a commercial turkey flock in Calhoun County, Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship says this marks the eighth HPAI detection in domestic birds in the state this year. The flock was depopulated to prevent further spread. Approximately 42,000 birds were affected in the outbreak, officials said.

Officials continue to urge poultry producers and backyard flock owners to strengthen biosecurity measures, such as limiting exposure to wild birds and closely monitoring for signs of illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that the threat to public health remains low, and poultry and eggs remain safe to eat when properly cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

HPAI has had a significant impact on other states, such as South Dakota, this year, particularly within the turkey industry, which has seen a 3 percent decline in production.

Related Stories
Tight Credit, Strong Yields Define Early December Agriculture
Lawmakers and experts react to the Administration’s long-awaited announcement of “bridge” aid to stabilize farms and offset 2025 losses until expanded safety-net programs begin in 2026.
Lewie Pugh with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) discusses the gap in truck driver education programs and how it impacts road safety and supply chain economics.
Cattle imports from Mexico remain stalled amid the New World screwworm outbreak. At the same time, Tyson closures add pressure on Nebraska producers and markets ahead of the USDA’s upcoming Cattle on Feed Report.
Georgia has regained its HPAI-free status after a swift response to October’s detection. Commissioner Tyler Harper urges producers to stay vigilant and maintain biosecurity.
USTR Jamieson Greer signals a narrower trade deal with China, adding more market uncertainty. The Farm Bureau also supports reviewing China’s missed trade commitments under the Phase One.
Record yields and exceptionally low BCFM strengthen U.S. corn’s competitive position in global markets.
Water access—not acreage alone—is driving where irrigation expands or contracts.
Reed Marcum started hosting a toy drive in 2015. Since then, he has distributed thousands of toys across his home state of Oklahoma and in Texas and Arkansas. Now serving in the Army, Reed’s family and local 4-H chapter are running the event.

Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.