It is still safe to eat poultry products, and the risk to the public remains low, according to the CDC.
CALHOUN COUNTY, Iowa — A case of bird flu has been detected in a Calhoun County commercial turkey flock, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship said on Thursday.
Gov. Kim Reynolds released a corresponding disaster proclamation that states in part, “beginning on October 1, 2025, and continuing thereafter, there have been confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the state of Iowa.”
The case marks Iowa’s eighth recorded detection in domestic birds this year.
It is still safe to eat poultry products, and the risk to the public remains low, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Officials said consumers should always properly handle and cook eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F.
Poultry producers and farmers are asked to look out for these signs of bird flu in their animals:
- Sudden increase in bird deaths without any clinical signs
- Lethargy and/or lack of energy and appetite
- Decrease in egg production
- Soft, thin-shelled and/or misshapen eggs
- Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
- Purple/blue discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge (runny nose)
- Stumbling and/or falling down
- Diarrhea
Possible cases must be reported to the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at 515-281-5305.