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Entry 928Filed under Breeding

Bird Flu Persists Across the U.S.; Iowa Reports Fifth and Sixth H5N1 Detections in March 2026

Iowa’s fifth and sixth H5N1 detections of 2026 were announced in March in backyard flocks in Washington and Buena Vista counties. A seventh followed in Boone County in September.
3-minute read By Animalso Team
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Iowa announced its fifth and sixth 2026 detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly called bird flu, on March 3 and 4. The cases were in multi-species backyard flocks in Washington and Buena Vista counties. Those March announcements are not Iowa’s current year-to-date total: the state reported a seventh detection, in Boone County, on September 22, 2026.

Where Iowa reported the fifth and sixth detections

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) announced the fifth detection on March 3, 2026, in a multi-species backyard flock in Washington County, followed by the sixth on March 4 in a similar flock in Buena Vista County. IDALS’ Washington County release and its Buena Vista County release describe the detections and counties.

A March 4 report by Cami Koons of the Iowa Capital Dispatch, citing an IDALS spokesperson, said the Washington County flock had 48 birds and the Buena Vista County flock had approximately 35. These are reported flock sizes, not estimates of how many birds were infected. Iowa Capital Dispatch, March 4, 2026.

Iowa’s March count is no longer its 2026 total

On September 22, 2026, IDALS reported a seventh 2026 detection in a backyard flock in Boone County. The March fifth-and-sixth announcements are a dated snapshot, not a current year-to-date count. IDALS’ September 22 Boone County update.

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Is bird flu still spreading across the United States?

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) says H5N1 HPAI is present in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in U.S. domestic birds and dairy cattle. APHIS monitors commercial and backyard birds, wild birds, and dairy cattle, with separate detection updates for these groups. Its trackers are the place to check changing national detections; a fixed total can quickly become outdated. USDA APHIS H5N1 influenza resources.

Wild birds may carry HPAI without appearing ill and can move it to new areas during migration. A posted detection date is not necessarily the date of exposure or infection: APHIS says the dates on its wild-bird page refer to confirmatory testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories, and sample collection and confirmation can occur at different times. USDA APHIS wild-bird detections.

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What Iowa flock owners should watch for

IDALS lists signs that can be associated with HPAI in poultry. They are reasons to contact a veterinarian, not a way to diagnose bird flu at home:

  • Sudden, unexplained deaths; low energy; or loss of appetite.
  • Reduced egg production or eggs with abnormal shells.
  • Swelling or discoloration, breathing difficulty, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Stumbling or diarrhea.

If you suspect H5N1, contact your veterinarian immediately and report the possible case to IDALS. IDALS flock-owner guidance.

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Practical biosecurity for backyard flocks

APHIS recommends limiting visitors and keeping clothing and footwear used around poultry clean and dedicated to that area. Change protective gear between coops or houses; options include disposable shoe covers or boots that can be disinfected. No single measure guarantees protection, so use a routine suited to your flock and follow official guidance. USDA APHIS, “Build a Clean Routine”.

Clean first, then disinfect

  1. Remove visible dirt and debris from surfaces.
  2. Wash the surfaces.
  3. Apply a disinfectant labeled as EPA-registered and effective against avian influenza, following the product label.

USDA’s free Defend the Flock materials offer further guidance for commercial producers and backyard bird owners, including dedicated boots, footbaths, gloves, limiting visitors, and separating species.

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Are poultry and eggs safe to eat?

In its March 2026 release, IDALS said poultry and eggs remain safe to eat when properly handled and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. The release also relayed CDC’s assessment at that time that the risk to the general public remained low. For current public-health advice, check the latest guidance from Iowa and CDC. IDALS food-safety statement, March 2026.

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