Bird Flu Hits Iowa Poultry Again

"As many as 5.3 million hens will be euthanized at a commercial laying facility in northwest Iowa as a result of the presence of H5N2. The United States Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence this highly pathogenic strain avian flu Monday.

This year there have already been more than 40 confirmed cases of the virus in commercial flocks across several Midwestern states. H5N2 supposedly is spread by migratory waterfowl, which are generally not harmed by the disease.

Once the virus is detected, standard procedure calls for isolating and then euthanizing the entire flock."

Sarah Boden reports for Iowa Public Radio/NPR April 20, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"Another Minnesota Turkey Farm Hit By Deadly Bird Flu Strain" (CBS Minnesota)

"USDA Confirms H5N2 Avian Influenza in Commercial Turkey Flock in Minnesota" (USDA APHIS release)

"Hormel Says Bird Flu Outbreak Will Hurt Turkey Sales" (AP/MPR)