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More backyard flocks affected as four more bird flu cases found in Iowa

Iowa rose to 56 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza after four new cases were reported, including two affecting backyard flocks.

Iowa rose to 56 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza after four new cases were reported, including two affecting backyard flocks.

A backyard duck flock with an estimated 50 birds, and a backyard chicken flock with an estimated 12 birds, both tested positive for H5 avian influenza in initial testing in Sioux County.

Initial testing was also positive for H5 avian influenza at two turkey farms in Sac County.

“With the new announcements, Iowa now has 56 cases of the disease in the state,” said a May 18, 2015 statement from the Iowa Department of Agriculture.

In an effort to help control the spread of the disease, commercial flocks within 10 kilometers around affected sites are quarantined, and they are tested for bird flu at least every five to seven days.

Anyone concerned about the Iowa bird flu outbreak can call the state’s hotline at 1-800-447-1985 to ask questions or request disaster counseling 24 hours a day. The hotline is operated by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach program.

As of 4 p.m. Monday, May 18, more than 25 million birds were affected by bird flu in Iowa. All were from commercial pullet, laying, and turkey operations except a total of four backyard flocks that contained a collective total of fewer than 1,000 birds.

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