A domestic bird flock in Dallas County is the newest victim of the bird flu.

According to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services, a case of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) was detected in a mixed species of a backyard flock in Dallas County. IDALS officials say that this is the fifth reported case of the avian flu within a domestic bird flock since the beginning of 2025.

IDALS suggests for poultry producers and dairy farmers to increase their biosecurity measures and protocols to improve their protection of their flocks and herd. Officials say the common symptoms of the avian flu includes a sudden increase in bird deaths without showing any clinical signs, a lack of energy and appetite from the bird, a swelling of the bird’s head, eyelids, comb, wattles and hocks; stumbling and/or falling down, among others. IDALS advises that if someone suggests they may have a case of this disease, they should contact them at 515-281-5305.

As a reminder from IDALS, poultry and eggs remain safe to consume as long as those items are cooked to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.