Avian Influenza

Federal Order Requiring Additional Testing for and Reporting of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Livestock and Milk - December 6, 2024

Clarification to Inquiries Received on April 24 Federal Order - May 7, 2024

APHIS Requirements and Recommendations for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 Virus in Livestock 
For State Animal Health Officials, Accredited Veterinarians and Producers - April 26, 2024

Federal Order Requiring Testing for and Reporting of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Livestock - April 24, 2024

Avian Influenza

Avian influenza (AI) is a viral disease mainly affecting birds. The virus occurs as both low pathogenic (LPAI) and highly pathogenic (HPAI) forms based on how sick they make poultry, such as chickens and turkeys. Chickens and turkeys with LPAI may not show any signs of illness or they may show mild signs such as sneezing, coughing and discharge from their eyes or beak. Chickens and turkeys with HPAI may have difficulty breathing or die suddenly. 

Waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, can naturally carry LPAI and most commonly do not show any signs of being ill. Domestic poultry that become sick with LPAI may display the following: 

• Minor sneezing or coughing
• Minor discharge from eyes or beak
• Decreased food and water intake
• Decreased egg production
• Deformed eggs

If wild ducks and geese come into contact with chickens and turkeys they can give them LPAI. Once chickens and turkeys are infected with LPAI, there is a chance the disease can become more severe, changing into HPAI. Domestic poultry that become sick with HPAI may display the following: 

• Severe lethargy
• Severe difficulty breathing
• Blood tinged discharge from eyes or beak
• Unfeathered skin appearing blue on the head, comb and wattle (and snood in turkeys)
• Swollen combs, wattle, or shanks
• Decreased food and water intake
• Decreased egg production
• Deformed or shell-less eggs
• Sudden death

A laboratory test is needed to confirm if a bird is sick with AI. Anyone who suspects that birds under their care have AI should immediately contact a Federal or State Animal Health Official. 

Avian influenza usually does not infect people, however rare cases in people have been reported. Infected birds shed avian influenza in their saliva, mucous and feces. Human infections can happen when enough virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled. This is one reason why everyone should practice proper biosecurity when around birds. For more information about avian influenza in people, contact the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

FAQs

What should I do if I encounter a sick or deceased wild bird that may have been infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 HPAI)?

For more information about H5N1 HPAI in wild or migratory birds, including guidance about encountering a sick or deceased bird, please reference these online resources provided by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Area DNR Wildlife Management staff are available to help answer your questions. A map of their regions, including contact information, is found here.  

Are there human health concerns with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 HPAI?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to believe the threat to the general public remains low. Additional CDC resources regarding H5N1 HPAI are available on the CDC website. Any public health questions within Iowa should be directed to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

Are milk and dairy products and poultry and eggs safe to enjoy given that there are cases of H5N1 popping up around the country?

It remains safe to enjoy poultry products, including eggs. As a reminder, consumers should always properly handle and cook eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F. There is also no concern about the safety of pasteurized milk or dairy products. Pasteurization has continually proven to successfully inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk.