H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was detected in multi-species backyard flocks in Keokuk and Van Buren counties, Iowa officials announced on February 25, 2026. The state called these Iowa’s third and fourth detections of H5N1 in 2026. The announcement did not identify the bird species, flock sizes, or premises involved.
What Iowa officials announced
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and USDA APHIS announced the detections on February 25, 2026. The affected flocks were described as multi-species backyard flocks in Keokuk and Van Buren counties. The announcement did not provide exact locations, bird species, flock counts, or later outcomes. Read the IDALS announcement.
The state’s description of the findings as Iowa’s third and fourth H5N1 detections in 2026 applies to the date of that announcement, not to the current statewide total. USDA APHIS’s confirmed detections page is the place to check for later updates.
Why backyard flock owners should pay attention
H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. USDA APHIS describes avian influenza as a contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild birds. Iowa says wild birds can carry H5N1 without appearing sick, and that HPAI is often fatal to domestic poultry. A flock’s exposure risk cannot be ruled out simply because nearby wild birds look healthy. USDA APHIS avian influenza information explains federal and state surveillance and response.
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Signs of possible avian influenza in poultry
IDALS lists the following as possible signs. They are reasons to seek veterinary advice, not a way to diagnose HPAI at home:
- A sudden increase in deaths, sometimes without other obvious clinical signs
- Lethargy, reduced energy, or loss of appetite
- Fewer eggs, or soft, thin-shelled, or misshapen eggs
- Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, or hocks
- Purple or blue discoloration of the comb, wattles, or legs
- Difficulty breathing, coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge
- Stumbling or falling
- Diarrhea
What to do if your flock may be affected
- Contact your veterinarian immediately. Tell them what signs you have observed and that H5N1 has been detected in Iowa backyard flocks.
- Report the possible case to IDALS at 515-281-5305, following the agency’s instructions.
- Limit contact with birds and equipment from the flock while you seek veterinary and official guidance. USDA APHIS provides HPAI resources and guidance, including cleaning and disinfection information and poultry biosecurity training resources. Follow official guidance and any product label directions; disinfectants are not treatments for sick birds.
Reporting sick or dead wild birds
Iowa DNR asks people who find 20 or more sick or dead wild birds in a small area to report them to local DNR Wildlife Management staff. This reporting threshold concerns wild birds; backyard poultry owners with suspected illness should contact a veterinarian and IDALS rather than relying on the wild-bird reporting route.
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Are chicken and eggs safe to eat?
Iowa’s February 25 announcement says poultry and eggs remain safe to eat when properly handled and cooked. It advises cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165°F. The detection does not by itself mean retail poultry or eggs are unsafe. The state announcement also attributes to CDC the assessment that the threat to the general public remains low. That is the statement reported in the dated announcement, not a new assessment for October 2026; consult current Iowa HHS avian influenza resources or CDC guidance for current public-health advice.
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