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Farmers Must Kill 4.2 Million Chickens After Bird Flu Hits Iowa Egg Farm

More than 4 million chickens in Iowa will have to be killed after a case of the highly pathogenic bird flu was detected at a large egg farm, the state announced Tuesday.

Crews are in the process of killing 4.2 million chickens after the disease was found at a farm in Sioux County, Iowa, making it the latest in a yearslong outbreak that now is affecting dairy cattle as well. Last week, the virus was confirmed at an egg farm west of Minneapolis, leading to the slaughter of nearly 1.4 million chickens.

Overall, 92.34 million birds have been killed since the outbreak began in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Although bird flu has become somewhat common among poultry, its spread to cattle has added to worries about the disease. In May, a second dairy farmworker was diagnosed with bird flu, and the virus was detected in both beef and milk. It has been confirmed on dairy cattle farms in nine states.

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Three Generations of Care for the Land, the Cattle and the Future of Farming

Video: Three Generations of Care for the Land, the Cattle and the Future of Farming

At Van Osch Farms, the family raises Ontario corn-fed beef while working with the land to keep their operation strong for the next generation. From upcycling corn distillers in their feed program to powering their farm with rooftop solar (producing enough electricity for 80 homes), their approach is rooted in continuous improvement.

Their commitment to responsible farming practices earned them The Environmental Stewardship Award, recognizing producers who go above and beyond in caring for their land and animals.

It's another example of how Ontario farmers are helping build a sustainable future for Ontario beef.