CALHOUN COUNTY, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the U.S.D.A. say a case of avian influenza, commonly called called bird flu, has been found in a commercial turkey flock in Calhoun County.
Officials say this is the eighth time the H5N1 HPAI has been found in domestic birds this year. The virus was recently found in migrating Canada geese in Dubuque.
Governor Kim Reynolds announced a disaster proclamation for Calhoun County on Thursday. The proclamation is in effect through November 1, 2025.
That designation will allow the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Iowa Homeland Security to help with rapid detection, tracking, containment, disposal and disinfection. The proclamation also allows better access to commercial vehicles responding to the site.
Officials there say it remains safe to enjoy eggs and poultry products, but say it is important to always practice safe handling of raw eggs and meats. Poultry should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165F.
The risk to the general public is considered low. There have been 70 cases and one death in humans since 2024.
This case comes just before the busy holiday season, when the demand for turkeys is higher. But the risk of farm-to-farm transmission remains low due to improved containment methods.