The extended fall and unusually mild start of winter delayed the southern migration of many bird species, prolonging last year’s H5N1 (avian influenza) season. With birds lingering longer than usual, the virus had an extended window to spread. As January ends on a similarly mild note, migratory birds are already beginning their journey north earlier than expected. This shift raises questions about how the virus will behave in the coming months, as birds return and potentially bring H5N1 back.
Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig and I talked about the implications of those ducks and geese already heading back in the opposite direction from only a month or so ago. However, the data is still showing the spread of the disease heading further south.
Closer to home, we have enjoyed a little bit of a seasonal downturn, but Secretary Naig also says that he is not going to make any predictions on what we are going to face as the erratic weather has the birds not following a normal schedule.
After the H5N1 jumped the species barrier to dairy cattle last year, that’s becoming a larger problem for dairy herds. We are seeing this being a problem, especially in California. Naig says that Iowa is working with other states, including California, to get out in front of this situation.
As the situation changes, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will make announcements on policies and practices.
