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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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Inside the Swine Disease Reporting System - Dr. Guilherme Cezar

Video: Inside the Swine Disease Reporting System - Dr. Guilherme Cezar

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Guilherme Cezar from Iowa State University explains how the Swine Disease Reporting System (SDRS) tracks emerging disease trends in the U.S. swine industry. He outlines patterns in pathogen activity, including positive developments with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and concerning surges in PRRS variants. Gain insights into disease surveillance, biosecurity, and cross-border collaboration potential. Listen now on all major platforms!

"The Swine Disease Reporting System aggregates diagnostic lab data to monitor and interpret trends in nine major swine pathogens."

Meet the guest: Dr. Guilherme Cezar / guilhermec-veterinario-037064168 is a veterinarian and Ph.D. candidate in Veterinary Preventive Medicine at Iowa State University, where he also serves as the Coordinator of the Swine Disease Reporting System (SDRS). With a strong background in swine health, biotechnology, and field epidemiology, he focuses on infectious disease trends and data-driven solutions.