By Jared Strong, Iowa Capital Dispatch

A commercial flock of about 50,000 turkeys in Buena Vista County was recently infected by a highly transmissible bird flu, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza was last detected in Iowa in March in a small flock in Chickasaw County. The virus has been relatively quiet in the state this year after wreaking havoc last year when infections resulted in the culling of nearly 16 million birds.

Humans are seldom infected by the virus, but it can spread quickly in domestic flocks and is lethal to the birds. Entire flocks are culled after its presence is confirmed to prevent the spread of the virus to others.

The virus is believed to be transmitted by migrating birds that can carry it without showing symptoms.

It has also infected turkey flocks in nearby states this month, including five in Minnesota and three in South Dakota, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Those flocks had a total of about 373,000 birds.

Iowa had about a dozen infected flocks last year from October to December, which affected about 2.5 million chickens and turkeys.

“Unfortunately, highly pathogenic avian influenza continues to be an active threat to our state’s turkey producers, egg layers and backyard flocks,” state Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said last week. “We encourage everyone to remain vigilant, review their biosecurity plans, and ensure they are fully implemented.”

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