Iowa Sees Early Spike in Bird Flu Cases as Spring Migration Looms

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Six cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza have already been confirmed in Iowa this year, and a USDA expert says the spring migration of wild birds will likely lead to more incidents where entire poultry flocks have to be euthanized to contain the spread of the virus. The state has already seen nearly 31 million birds die from bird flu outbreaks since 2022, making it a major concern for the nation's largest egg producer and a top turkey producer.

Why it matters

Bird flu outbreaks can have devastating economic impacts on poultry producers, leading to the culling of entire flocks and disrupting the food supply. Iowa's position as a major poultry producer means these incidents pose a significant threat to the state's agricultural economy and the nation's overall poultry production.

The details

According to Dr. Alan Huddleston, acting chief veterinary officer of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the amount of exposure domestic poultry have had to wild birds and the biosecurity practices used by producers are key factors in the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Iowa's first major bird flu outbreak was in 2022, leading to the deaths of nearly 31 million birds statewide.

• Six bird flu cases have already been confirmed in Iowa so far in 2026.
• Iowa's first major bird flu outbreak was in 2022.

What they’re saying

What’s next

As warmer weather arrives, experts warn that the spring migration of wild birds will likely lead to more bird flu outbreaks and the culling of additional poultry flocks in Iowa and other major poultry-producing states.