HPAI Detected in Kossuth County Backyard Flock, First Iowa 2026 Case

Highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in a Kossuth County backyard flock of game birds and chickens, marking Iowa’s first bird flu case of 2026. The infected mix included about 7,000 pheasants and 120 backyard chickens, and state officials have activated containment and cleanup measures to limit further spread.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) reported the detection and issued biosecurity and containment guidance for backyard and commercial flocks. The Governor issued a disaster proclamation for Kossuth County to make state resources available for cleanup and containment efforts. IDALS asked producers to maintain heightened biosecurity and to contact their veterinarian if birds appear sick.

This detection follows a late-December case in Dallas County involving a mixed-species flock. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reports the H5N1 strain of HPAI has impacted more than 186 million domestic birds since the outbreak began in 2022. APHIS also reported that more than 1.1 million birds were affected in January 2026, with concentrated outbreaks in Minnesota and Kansas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to rate the public health risk as low; human infections have occurred but remain uncommon.

What this means for parrot owners is practical and immediate: review and tighten biosecurity around pet birds now. Limit contact between pet parrots and backyard poultry or wild birds. Keep indoor cages and aviaries secure from wild-bird access, avoid bringing poultry-keeping gear into spaces where parrots are housed, and consult your avian veterinarian if any bird shows signs of illness. If you work with or visit poultry operations, change clothing and footwear and practice hand hygiene before interacting with parrots.

For people who breed or work with game birds, IDALS’ proclamation will funnel state support toward outbreak response and disposal efforts in Kossuth County; that response aims to reduce risk to neighboring flocks and to hobby flocks that share property lines or equipment.

The detection underscores that HPAI remains an active threat across multiple states. Keep your feathered companions healthy by maintaining basic biosecurity, staying alert for symptoms, and leaning on your avian vet and state guidance for next steps as containment efforts proceed.