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US Has Worst Bird Flu Outbreak in Two Years at Iowa Egg Farm

By Michael Hirtzer

Deadly bird flu was detected in an egg-laying chicken flock in Iowa, affecting 4.2 million birds in the biggest U.S. outbreak since 2022.

The detection is the first since December in Iowa, which is the top U.S. egg producer with nearly 12% of the country's layer hens, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data. The findings come as the virus has been infecting  across the U.S.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship said the site is in Sioux County, according to a statement on May 28.

It's the worst outbreak since more than 5 million birds were affected at a farm in Iowa's Osceola County in March 2022, when the virus was first spreading in the country. Prices for eggs surged to a record as tens of millions of birds were killed to slow the spread.

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Why Rotational Grazing Is Important For The Farm - Manitoulin Part 3

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Presented by Birgit Martin of Pure Island Beef, Anita O'Brien, Grazing Mentor, and Christine O'Reilly, Forage & Grazing Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Watch each video from this event to learn about grazing tips, water systems, setting up fencing, working with net fencing, electric fencing tips, grass growth and managing grazing.

Birgit Martin provides an overview of her operation, Pure Island Beef, and why rotational grazing is so important for the farm.

The Manitoulin Island Pasture Walk in 2023 was delivered as part of the Farm Resilience Mentorship (FaRM) Program's Advanced Grazing Systems.