Bird flu

Highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has hit the U.S. hard over the last year and a half — leaving 60 million chickens and turkeys dead across 47 states. The USDA is working on a vaccine, but that could create new issues.

In extremely rare cases, bird flu can infect and kill cats and dogs when the pets eat birds with the disease.

The spring bird migration is well underway. Expert birders return to the show to discuss the species that are returning to Iowa and others that are passing through.

The latest case of bird flu in Iowa and the first of 2023 was found in a Buena Vista County commercial turkey facility. More than 27,000 turkeys are being destroyed to contain the spread of the virus.

After the deadly bird flu hit egg-producing flocks, the supply of eggs shrank dramatically. That’s led to historically high prices for consumers.

High prices for products like eggs and grain are expected to lead to a record windfall for farmers this year, overcoming drought, bird flu and costly inputs. But the profit margin is thinner for small producers and those hit hard by dry conditions.

Bird flu has hit several commercial turkey flocks in northwest Iowa this month, leading to the destruction of more-than 400,000 birds. An economist says that’s likely to have an impact on turkey production in that part of the state.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture has confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in commercial turkey flocks in Cherokee and Sac counties, the 25th and 26th confirmations in Iowa this year.

Bird flu was confirmed in a Buena Vista County flock of about 40,000 turkeys, the Iowa Department of Agriculture announced Friday.

Iowa has a large turkey industry, but the turkey at the center of your Thanksgiving dinner likely isn’t from Iowa.