(NAFB.com) – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Wright County, Iowa, this week.

The virus was found in a commercial layer flock, and this is the first confirmed case of HPAI in Wright County in 2022, located in north-central Iowa. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says, “We have been preparing for the possibility of additional outbreaks and are working closely with USDA and producers to eradicate this disease from our state.” Commercial and backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds should be immediately reported to state or federal officials. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present a public health concern.