New Avian Flu Cases Confirmed in Southeast Iowa

State and federal officials report two more H5N1 detections in backyard flocks

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service have confirmed two new cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in backyard flocks in Van Buren and Keokuk Counties in southeast Iowa. These are the third and fourth confirmed cases of H5N1 in the state this year.

Why it matters

Avian influenza outbreaks can be devastating for domestic poultry producers, leading to mass culling of infected flocks. The H5N1 strain is also concerning because it can occasionally infect humans, though human-to-human transmission remains limited. Monitoring and containing these outbreaks is crucial to protect both animal and public health.

The details

The two new cases of H5N1 were detected in multi-species backyard flocks in Van Buren and Keokuk Counties. H5N1 is a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza that is often fatal to domestic birds, though wild birds can carry the virus without appearing sick.

  • The new cases were confirmed on February 27, 2026.

The players

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

The state agency responsible for monitoring and responding to animal health issues in Iowa.

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

The federal agency that works with states to detect, monitor and control animal diseases like avian influenza.

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The takeaway

This latest outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Iowa underscores the ongoing threat this virus poses to domestic poultry. Continued vigilance and rapid response from state and federal agriculture officials will be crucial to containing the spread and protecting both animal and public health.