Avian influenza detected in Calhoun County commercial turkey flock

By Cassandra Kyser

In an Oct. 2, 2025 press release, the Iowa Dept. of Agriculture and Land Stewardship confirmed that avian influenza has been detected in a commercial turkey flock in Calhoun County.

The department’s Public Information Officer, Don McDowell, said the flock size is approximately 42,000 turkeys, but declined to name the farm, stating, “We do not identify the owner or the specific location[.]”

In terms of public health, the press release states, “The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to believe the threat to the general public remains low. Any questions related to public health should be directed to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.”

As for consuming turkey meat, “It remains safe to enjoy eggs and poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always properly handle and cook eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165˚F.”

Calhoun County Public Health Administrator Barb Riley stated that as of Oct. 2, there are no confirmed cases of avian influenza in humans in the county, either from bird-to-human or human-to-human contact. 

As for how people could contract avian influenza from a turkey or other bird, “The birds are producing viruses, and if a human would be exposed to that virus through their eyes, hands, mouth — that’s how they would get it,” Riley said. 

The Dept. of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is asking poultry producers and those with backyard flocks to be aware of the signs of avian influenza in birds:

• 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

Any suspected cases of avian influenza in birds should be immediately reported to a veterinarian.

To assist with the work and management associated with avian influenza in a commercial flock, Gov. Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for Calhoun County, which “allows state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and other agencies to assist with tracking and monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection. The proclamation also waives regulatory provisions related to commercial vehicles responding to affected sites.” 

The proclamation is in effect until Nov. 1, 2025, but could be extended by the governor.