The USDA has confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza or bird flu in a mixed species flock of game bird pheasants and backyard chickens in Kossuth County. Officials say the flock, which had about 7,000 pheasants and 120 chickens, marked the first Iowa bird flu case of 2026.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has authorized a disaster proclamation for Kossuth County, effective immediately through February 21st. This proclamation 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 recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern, and it remains safe to eat poultry products. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.
So far in January 2026, USDA reports more than 1.1 million birds have been affected by the flu, with the majority of outbreaks for the month occurring in Minnesota and Kansas.
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