Another Case of Bird Flu Has Been Reported in Iowa

Bird flu has been raging in North America since 2021, but recently, the issue has grown more serious and concerning.

In January 2025, the first person in the US died from the illness. The following month, two more people were hospitalized. The price of eggs is out-of-control as bird flu has spread through egg-laying chickens, and farm workers are grappling with challenges in managing the ongoing crisis.

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On Friday, March 8th, 2025, The Des Moines Register among other outlets reported that Iowa has now seen its fifth case of bird flu arise, this one very close to the Des Moines metro area. The illness was detected in a small backyard flock in Dallas County, per the Iowa Department of Agriculture.

In a flock of 37 chickens and ducks, the Iowa Department of Agriculture reported that "a highly pathogenic avian influenza infection" was detected. The department would not give a specific location in Dallas County, which leaves uncertainty as to whether or not the case was detected in a more rural or suburban area of the county.

This is the first known bird flu infection in Dallas County since October 2022, which also arose from a backyard flock. Warren County saw a backyard flock infected in May of the same year, with no other known cases coming from the Des Moines metro area, per The Des Moines Register.

There have been a lot of misconceptions about bird flu spread through social media, so allow me to try and break down some facts here:

• Bird flu can be spread through wild birds.
• Some birds might not show any symptoms at all.
• Flocks that test positive for bird flu are killed in order to prevent the spread.

The latest case in Dallas County is the first infection since one was discovered in Sac County, IA on February 19th, per The Des Moines Register. The discovery led to 29,665 turkeys being destroyed. The first detection in Iowa in 2025 was in Clinton County in January.

The ongoing bird flu epidemic has resulted in surging egg prices, a common talking point on social media and political spheres.

Anyone with backyard flocks whose birds begin showing symptoms are urged to contact their veterinarian immediately. Bird flu cases must be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at 515-281-5305.