Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu Detected in Iowa Backyard Flocks

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the USDA have detected cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in multi-species backyard flocks in Van Buren and Keokuk Counties. These are Iowa's third and fourth detections of H5N1 HPAI in 2026. The state is urging poultry producers and backyard flock owners to bolster biosecurity practices to protect their birds.

Why it matters

H5N1 HPAI is a highly contagious and often fatal virus that can spread rapidly through domestic bird populations. These latest detections in Iowa, a major poultry-producing state, underscore the ongoing threat of avian flu outbreaks and the need for vigilant biosecurity measures to safeguard the health of both commercial and backyard flocks.

The details

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and USDA APHIS have confirmed the presence of H5N1 HPAI in backyard flocks in Keokuk and Van Buren counties. This marks the third and fourth detections of the virus in Iowa this year. H5N1 HPAI can be spread by wild birds without them appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic poultry like chickens and turkeys. The state is urging all poultry producers, including backyard flock owners, to review and strengthen their biosecurity protocols to protect their birds.

• The cases were detected on February 25, 2026.
• This is Iowa's third and fourth H5N1 HPAI detections in 2026.

What’s next

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will continue to monitor the situation and work with the USDA to track any additional H5N1 HPAI detections in the state.