Sioux County, IA – More than four million egg-laying chickens are going to be culled after a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was detected. Since 2022, nearly 23 million chickens have been killed to thwart the spread of bird flu in the nation’s top producer of eggs.
It is unclear from the Iowa Department of Agriculture release if birds from the affected flock showed symptoms, or merely tested positive for the viral disease.
According to the government agency, the following symptoms may be present in birds who have contracted HPAI:
Sudden increase in bird deaths without any clinical signs
Lethargy and/or lack of energy and appetite
Decrease in egg production
Soft, thin-shelled and/or misshapen eggs
Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
Purple/blue discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs
Difficulty breathing
Coughing, sneezing, and/or nasal discharge (runny nose)
Stumbling and/or falling down
Diarrhea
Possible cases must be reported to Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at (515) 281-5305.
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