The 2022 avian flu outbreak in Iowa actually is behaving differently than the 2015 outbreak that blanketed the Midwest.

First, the 2022 outbreak happens to be more national in scope with more than 30 states having detections.

But because Iowa turkey, egg and poultry producers already ramped up their biosecurity measures from the 2015 turmoil they experienced, the spread has been fairly well contained.

“We are very proud of the work our farmers have done to improve biosecurity. As a result, with this outbreak, we are finding little to no lateral farm-to-farm transmission and nearly every case seems to be wild-bird introduced. While this year the first cases appeared earlier, we are also seeing the frequency of cases slowing much earlier in the season than was seen in 2015. Early reports would make it seem to be that this current outbreak could be more prevalent in the wild bird population than it was in 2015,” said Kevin Stiles, executive director of the Iowa Egg Council.

Farmers invested money and time to beef up their biosecurity measures and train farm workers.

They’ve also banked on rapid depopulation of infected flocks as a tool to limiting the spread of the deadly virus.

Chloe Carson, communications director for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, said that more than 13 million birds have been impacted in Iowa with the latest highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak. However, the impact of the 2022 avian flu outbreak has seen less than half of the cases reported in 2015, Stiles said.

“In 2015 we did see a good amount of lateral spread between facilities and farms but this time the virus has been introduced by wild migratory birds. Producers are doing their best to practice strong biosecurity measures. As long as migratory birds are here in Iowa, we run the risk,” Carson said. “It’s important for employee education as to personal hygiene and the precautions that need to be taken.”

Producers also are controlling movement on and off their sites, washing down vehicles and limiting visitors on site, Carson noted.

Backyard farmers are not immune from the avian flu. Stiles said they need to practice good biosecurity, too, and change their boots and outer clothing at the door of their barn or coop.

“We would suggest that they keep their birds inside as much as they possibly can. They should also consider taking any steps to mitigate wild birds from gathering near their premises.

“Finally, we hope they are keeping a close eye on the behavior of their birds and that they report any signs of sickness to their veterinarian, and/or their state health officials, as soon as they possibly can,” Stiles said.

Carson added that since avian influenza outbreaks affect backyard flocks, too, and not just commercial facilities, backyard hobbyists need to limit interactions between their birds and wild birds.

The effect of the bird flu on Iowa’s poultry, egg and turkey industry has been felt.

“Iowa is the top egg producing state in the country with 56 million laying hens and we’re No. 7 in turkey production. This is a very difficult time for them. This is their business, their livelihood, and they’re at risk,” Carson said. “It’s a time of concern for poultry producers. If a bird is infected, the entire flock has to be depopulated to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.”

Yuko Sato, veterinarian with Iowa State University’s poultry extension and diagnostics, helps coordinate the test samples received at the lab and communicates with clients and the lab about the results. Sato also communicates with commercial poultry producers as to how to collect samples and fill out the forms needed to accompany samples. She said last month her division likely saw the peak in testing come through the ISU lab.

“We hope it stays that way. If you see your birds acting funny or you’re experiencing a higher than normal mortality rate, don’t wait around. Call the state and ask them questions as to whether or not to get a PCR test,” she said.